THE BALL – Eagles return to the charge and ask for audios: «Epidemic of bad VAR decisions to the detriment of Benfica is already a long way off» (Benfica)

Benfica’s draw with Vizela (1-1) on Friday was marked by controversial moves that led to strong criticism of referee Manuel Oliveira.

In particular, an alleged hand on the ball by Ofori in the Vizela area. Already yesterday, on Twitter, the Reds had questioned the VAR, this Saturday, through the publication News Benfica, they return to the subject in a more extensive way, asking the Refereeing Council that the referees’ audios be made public.

The publication follows:

“Today we question the usefulness of VAR and we have more than legitimacy to do so. No one understands, as obvious as it is, how a penalty was awarded in the 73rd minute.

1. After all, what is VAR for? The question of the night was asked by our coach, Nélson Veríssimo, after, once again at Luz, VAR had made obvious mistakes, always in Benfica’s disfavor. In the 73rd minute, a clear penalty was awarded. In the 93rd, Rafa was sent off for trampling, who passed anonymously to VAR.

The epidemic of bad decisions by VAR to the detriment of Benfica has been going on for a long time. This year, it’s always been about adding up and scoring points… for others, the same as always. If not, let’s see: Estoril-Benfica, in the last minute, equalizing goal preceded by a foul on Gonçalo Ramos. follow; FC Porto-Benfica, first goal scored by hand. follow; Benfica-Moreirense, opponent’s goal in offside. follow; Benfica-Gil Vicente, penalty on Otamendi in the 43rd minute. follow; Benfica- Vizela, penalty for signaling by hand in the area and a dismissal forgiven to Vizela. follow.

Looking to answer your question, Míster, here is the answer: as can be seen, VAR has served to harm Benfica. This year, specifically with its wrong decisions and compromising inactions, VAR subtracted at least 9 points from Benfica. At least 9 points that would put us in the dispute for what is ours on its own merit.

2. Given the evidence of a VAR that accumulates errors when it comes to evaluating Sport Lisboa e Benfica matches, it is worth asking: how many games will VAR, André Narciso, be out of the Championship after what happened yesterday at Luz? How many games will referee Manuel Oliveira be prevented from officiating? What were the penalties imposed by the Refereeing Council on those involved in games in which Benfica was systematically harmed by VAR? What were the communications between the referee and the VAR at the time of the penalty and when Vizela was sent off? Last but not least, has the assistant referee called attention to the irregularity in the area? Because if so, it was ignored. One more reason to get to know the audios and find out who is responsible for yet another mess in Luz. Will the Arbitration Council have the courage to publicly expose these audios, or are we going to maintain a convenient opacity? Or will it be conniving? A clarification from the Arbitration Board is awaited. And not just more lawsuits… to Benfica.”

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