José Mourinho will miss Benfica’s next two games following a red card and a heated confrontation with Porto assistant coach Lucho Gonzalez during last Sunday’s O Clássico.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary council announced two separate sanctions that prevent the 63-year-old manager from leading the team in their upcoming matches. Mourinho received a one-match ban for being sent off late in Benfica’s 2-2 draw with Porto. The red card came after he left his technical area and kicked a ball towards Porto’s substitutes’ bench to celebrate a goal. Mourinho later stated he had intended to direct the ball into the stands.
In addition, Mourinho has been given an 11-day suspension for his exchange with Porto assistant coach Lucho Gonzalez. The disciplinary council reported that Mourinho provoked the altercation by gesturing with his index finger and thumb and repeatedly saying “you are small.” Gonzalez responded by calling Mourinho, who managed Porto to the Champions League title in 2004, a “traitor.” Gonzalez himself received a one-match ban and an eight-day suspension.
The one-match ban for Mourinho applies to Benfica’s fixture against Arouca on Saturday, while the 11-day suspension rules him out of the March 21 game against Vitoria. Portuguese media noted that the two punishments cannot be served at the same time.
Benfica have stated they will appeal the disciplinary council’s decisions, describing the sanctions as “unfair and unjustified.” Mourinho, well known for his fiery temperament, has a long history of disciplinary issues during his managerial career.
