Benfica protested a decision by the refereeing team led by referee João Gonçalves during the home match against Gil Vicente, which ended 3-1 in favor of the eagles. During the first half, former Porto midfielder Gil Martins made a hard tackle on Daniel Banjaqui's right leg, a challenge that did not even deserve a yellow card.
The eagles posted on social media a video of that tackle, with the caption "Strange things", in reference to a phrase spoken by Francesco Farioli at the end of Porto's victory at Casa Pia's ground. On that occasion, the Porto coach had stated: "It's an important result on a day and on a field that are always difficult, especially when several strange things happen."
The provocation by the red and whites and the criticism from both clubs regarding national refereeing arose one week before the first classic of the season. Porto hosts Benfica on Sunday at 8:30pm at the Estádio do Dragão.
