Ball – David Neres with Disciplinary Process! (FPF)

The Disciplinary Board of the Portuguese Football Federation took disciplinary action against David Neres, after celebrating the title of Benfica champion, referring to rivals FC Porto, Sporting and players Ottavio and Pedro Gonsalves.

The statement read:

“The initiation of disciplinary proceedings against David Neres Campos, by decision of the Professional Department, dated May 30, 2023, with the aim of determining the possible disciplinary relevance of the established facts of the news published in the media. The process was sent, on May 31, 2023, to the Coaches Committee of the Portuguese Football League, where the advertisement was excluded until the end of the instructions ».

Meaning, it wasn’t even necessary for FC Porto to formalize a complaint – the Dragons’ communications director, Francisco J. Marquez, said he would do so if videos and news didn’t reach the media.

It should be noted that the Benfica player began to tag Ottavio and Pedro Gonzalez in a live broadcast from the party, on Instagram later he provoked Ottavio again with a comment on the account of the Porto club and the Portuguese international, in the post of the goal he scored. Against V. Guimarães, he wrote “Cadê o Sorrisinho” – and was photographed with Benfica supporters, uttering the phrases “lizards suck, tripeiros suck” (see related news).

Article 158 of the League’s disciplinary regulations stipulates that “one to four matches” be punished in such cases, and last year, four FC Porto players were specifically punished for cheering against Benfica, during the 2021/2022 title celebrations.

At the time, Ottavio, Fabio Cardoso and Manava chanted “Sons of p… SLB” in a live video on the midfielder’s Instagram, while Diogo Costa also insulted Benfica in the title ceremony. Benfica filed a complaint in May, and on 25 July all four players were suspended, missing the Super Cup, against Tondela, at the start of the now-ending season.

If David Neres has the same penalty, it could be low for Roger Schmidt in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, against FC Porto or SC Braga, on August 5th or 6th.