Jose Mourinho gets Benfica's backing in referee feud as Portuguese giants say officials 'cannot go unpunished' in furious statement

Benfica took to social media to highlight two controversial refereeing calls made within the space of three days. The club pointed to a foul on Antonio Silva that went unpunished before a goal in their game with Gil Vicente, contrasting it with a soft decision that saw their own goal ruled out against Rio Ave. The outburst comes amid heightened scrutiny of referees following Mourinho’s recent criticism of referee Sergio Guelho for having 'no personality'.

In a statement released on Saturday, Benfica said: "Sport Lisboa e Benfica is once again challenging the Refereeing Council to standardise the criteria governing refereeing. In the last match against Rio Ave, Benfica had a goal disallowed for a supposedly meaningless foul. Today, Gil Vicente's first goal stemmed from a sole strike on Antonio Silva's Achilles tendon, and nothing was called.

"What conclusions will the Refereeing Council draw from this duality of criteria in just three days? These performances, which have been systematically detrimental to Benfica, cannot continue unpunished."

Benfica’s official intervention comes at a time when Mourinho is already under investigation for comments made about referee Sergio Guelho. The Portuguese coach claimed it was his "democratic right" to critique officials’ performances after his side’s controversial draw with Rio Ave. The club’s strong stance signals unified support for Mourinho as he continues to challenge what he perceives as bias against Benfica.

The Portuguese Refereeing Council is expected to review the incidents and could respond publicly to Benfica’s accusations. Mourinho, meanwhile, faces potential sanctions over his previous remarks, with a fine or touchline ban still on the table. If he sees a suspension, Mourinho will miss the chance to face his former side, Porto, at the Dragao.