Benfica’s victory over Porto (5:3) in the fourth match of the final of the national roller hockey championship caused some criticism of the refereeing from the Dragons. After manager Ricardo Ares expressed disbelief that the Eagles had two fouls in 30 minutes, it was Francisco J. Marquez’s turn to use social media to reflect on opponents.
“The roller hockey championship will decide in the black on Wednesday night, but Benfica began to interfere in the decisive game as soon as the fourth leg was over, with the traditional inversion of the truth, taking advantage of very good refereeing. . Ricardo Ares [treinador do FC Porto] did not comment on the actions of the referee, limiting himself to stating that in 30 minutes Benfica had only two fouls, which would be surprising in a friendly game, not to mention a tense playoff match. In the 16th minute the foul score was 8-8, a natural balance in line with the history of the games between the two teams and even in harmony with the balance between the championship finalists. From that moment on, the whistle was blown at Porto and released at Benfica. Porto were winning 1-0 and the foul streak started for only one side, with Benfica taking advantage of the 10th foul to equalize. A new advantage for our team and a few more fouls for Benfica, who drew from a free kick on the 15th foul. At the 15th minute of the game the score was 7-0 on fouls, after 8-8 of the first 16 minutes. Until 21 minutes later, the ninth foul of Benfica followed, when the score was already 4-2. Only those who have never seen a hockey game might find it normal.”
The PR director of FC Porto also spoke about the situation that happened at half-time at the Pavillão da Luz stadium, when Luis Senica, President of the Portuguese Skating Federation, was forced to leave the President’s podium after the fans heated up.
“Speaking of watching hockey games, Luis Senica, the president of the figure skating federation, can come to the Dragao Arena to watch the decisive game because he will not be mistreated or harassed. Our fans, as usual, will support the team unsurpassed,” he concluded.
