Benfica Manager Sent Off After Draw, Accuses Porto Staff Member of Repeatedly Calling Him a ‘Traitor’
José Mourinho, manager of Benfica, was ejected from Monday’s 2-2 draw with Porto after a heated confrontation with the opposing team’s staff, and the argument continued as he headed for the tunnel. Mourinho accused Lucho González, a former player now an assistant coach for Porto, of calling him “traitor” approximately 50 times.
The incident occurred shortly after Leandro Barreiro scored the equalizer for Benfica in the Primeira Liga match. Mourinho engaged in a fervent discussion with the Porto coaching staff, led by Francesco Farioli, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
When questioned about his sending-off in a post-match press conference, Mourinho offered a sarcastic response. “The referee sent me off because I kicked the ball against the Porto bench, which is completely false. Many times, after scoring goals, I kick the ball into the stands to give it to a lucky fan and celebrate. I realize I’m not very technically gifted, but it was aimed at the stands.”
González, who played 241 games and won six league titles across two spells with Porto, was also shown a red card during the altercation. Mourinho revealed that the dispute continued as they left the Estádio da Luz, with González repeatedly using the term “traitor” – seemingly referencing Mourinho’s move to manage Benfica after a successful period with Porto between 2002 and 2004.
“He called me a traitor 50 times in the tunnel. I want him to explain, traitor to whom? I went to Porto, I gave my soul to Porto, then to Chelsea, to Inter, to Real Madrid. I traveled around the world and gave 24 hours of my life every day, I delivered life and soul. That’s what professionalism is about,” Mourinho stated, reflecting on his decorated career. He won two league titles, a Portuguese Cup, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League during his time with Porto.
“Being insulted by fans is one thing. But a professional, a colleague, calling me a traitor… why? Traitor to whom? For giving everything to Benfica? I didn’t like that,” he concluded.
Nicolás Otamendi, another Benfica player with a strong Porto connection, also received a red card late in the game for a second yellow offense. The draw keeps Benfica’s unbeaten record intact this season, but they remain seven points behind league-leading Porto, who have 66 points.
González, who earned 46 caps for Argentina and played in the 2006 World Cup, has been linked with a return to River Plate to reunite with Eduardo Coudet. However, Coudet denied those rumors, stating: “He is currently working at an important club and has a great relationship, so it would be disrespectful to touch on that topic.”
