Luisao -v- Katsouranis and other News

The hottest topic around all of Portugal's sporting world continues to be the incident between Luisao and Katsouranis. As you may recall, the incident took place during the second half of the Setubal-Benfica game, in which the 2 players got involved into a shoving match. The two players were immediately substituted by Camacho and were both suspended on Sunday, while an investigation was started by Benfica's SAD.


The incident took place after Katsouranis lost a ball that allowed Setubal to launch a quick counter in which Luisao had to foul the ball carrier in order to stop a dangerous attacking situation. Upon fouling Luisao proceeded to yell at Katsouranis for losing the ball and for costing him a yellow card, which he was awarded from the subsequent foul. Katasouranis didn't like being yelled at and responded in an agressive way, running towards Luisao to confront him, what followed was a sorry display of unprofessionalism, with obscene gestures from the Greek's part that culminated with both players shoving each other while team mates did their best to separate them.

On Monday, Benfica's SAD lifted the suspension imposed on Luisao, and the player was back in training today. Apparently the argument that lead to the suspension being lifted, was that Luisao is a sub-captain and had every right to call out Katsouranis on his mistake. After looking at some of the images, it is clear that Luisao yells at Katso and then turns his back and runs to take his position back in the defense, the Greek on the other hand, is the one that comes towards Luisao to confront him. These are some of the facts Benfica's SAD used in their investigation.

Katsouranis is still suspended and awaits the SAD's verdict. Both players are still waiting to find out how heavy the fine will be, but in the mean Luisao is already available to Camacho. Camacho would like the situation resolved as quickly as possible, so that it the air is cleared in the middle of the squad.

Following this morning's practice, Nuno Gomes, came out to the media room to talk to reporters, during the short press conference, Nuno apologized in the name of the group to all the Benfica fans and reiterated that such incident will not repeat itself.


On other news



Lyon will announce this wednesday the signing of Cesar Delgado, bringing to an end any speculation that the Benfica option was still on.

Also coming to a conclusion is Diego Souza's destination, according to Brazilian media reports the player is headed to Palmeiras. The Brazilian club is reported to have made a satisfactory offer to Benfica and his signing for Palmeiras will happen in the next couple of days.

The Algerian media is reporting Benfica's interest and subsequent preliminary negotiations for 21 year old center back Rafik Halliche. Halliche is currently hailed as one Argelia's best young talents, he currently plays for Hussein Dey and has a contract until 2010. According to the Argelian's club president, both him and Rafik are waiting on a Visa in order to travel to Lisbon to discuss the matter further with Benfica.