Benfica captain Luisão has been banned for two months by the Portuguese Football Federation after the Brazilian clashed with a referee during a pre-season friendly.
The 31-year-old defender collided with referee Christian Fischer during his side’s game with Fortuna Dusseldorf last month.
Luisão ran up to Fischer during an argument, after a foul had been awarded against team-mate Javi Garcia, and seemed to knock the referee to the ground.
Fischer, who apparently lost his senses for a few minutes, immediately suspended the match and left the pitch. The German official later pressed charges against Luisão.
“I was surprised. I didn’t act in an aggressive manner,” defender Luisao told Portuguese media after the game.
“The referee was about to send off Javi Garcia. As captain, I approached him. I don’t know if I maybe pushed him a bit, but I think he play-acted.”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed on their website that Luisão would also be fined €2,550.
The suspension applies to domestic competition, but the FPF has said FIFA will be made aware of the ban.
Therefore, the Seleção international will miss four Champions League matches, against Barcelona, Celtic and Spartak Moscow, as well as six Portuguese league games and a cup match following Friday’s decision.
The skipper, who has been at Benfica since 2003, has received the support of his coach Jorge Jesus and team-mates on the matter and can appeal against the ban.
