Recent rulings from the Discipline Council of the Portuguese Football Federation have imposed significant sanctions on several players from Sporting CP. Among those affected are prominent defender Matheus Reis and young forward Geovany Quenda, both facing time on the sidelines as a result of their conduct.
Matheus Reis Handed Five-Match Ban
The most notable decision concerns Matheus Reis, who has been suspended for a total of five matches. This lengthy ban stems from two separate incidents. Four games of the suspension are a direct consequence of an action during the Portuguese Cup final match between Sporting CP and rivals Benfica. The incident in question involved stepping on Benfica player Belotti.
The remaining one game of Reis`s suspension relates to off-field conduct captured in a video. This video, which was subsequently deleted, reportedly featured the phrase “Aqui nós pisa a cabeça,” translating from Portuguese to “Here we step on heads.” The Discipline Council deemed this social media activity grounds for an additional punitive measure.
Geovany Quenda Receives Another Suspension
Forward Geovany Quenda has also incurred further disciplinary penalties. Quenda had previously received a suspension linked to Sporting CP`s celebrations after securing the Primeira Liga title. He has now been given an additional one-game ban. According to reports, this new suspension was imposed because Quenda wore the same shirt associated with the initial controversial league title celebrations during the subsequent Portuguese Cup victory festivities, signaling a repetition of the behavior.
Other Cases Archived by Discipline Council
It is worth noting that not all complaints against Sporting CP players resulted in disciplinary action. Rival club Benfica had filed complaints with the Portuguese FA`s Discipline Council concerning midfielder Morten Hjulmand, striker Viktor Gyökeres, and winger Maxi Araújo. These complaints alleged “incitement to violence.” However, after reviewing these specific allegations, the Discipline Council decided to archive these cases, meaning these three players will not face sanctions based on those complaints.
These decisions from the Portuguese Football Federation`s disciplinary body underscore the scrutiny applied to player actions both on the field and in public spaces, particularly during periods of intense rivalry and celebration.
