Portuguese referee Luis Godinho required police protection after receiving multiple death threats from Porto supporters.
Although players, managers, and fans have always disagreed with match officials, the situation has gotten out of hand these past few weeks. After reports from England confirmed that Mike Dean received online abuse and several death threats, we now have news of an arguably worst case.
Portuguese referee Luis Godinho officiated the clash between Porto and Braga this Wednesday at the Portuguese Cup semi-finals. In the second half, with Porto in the lead by 1-0, Godinho made a controversial decision. The referee decided to hand Luis Diaz a red card after the Colombian accidentally injured Liverpool target David Carmo.
The 21-year-old center-back immediately left the pitch on an ambulance since it was clear he had broken his leg. However, David Carmo successfully underwent surgery this Friday and will return next season should his recovery go well. In fact, his trip to the hospital featured a somewhat amusing moment as the vehicle struggled to leave the pitch. Therefore, Braga and Porto’s players had to join forces to push the ambulance out of the field.
Despite the serious injury, fans from all clubs were shocked when Godinho checked VAR and still decided to send Diaz off. The winger accidentally hit the player in an attacking play as he shot the ball towards the goal. Luis Diaz left the pitch in tears and the Dragons’ players and staff raged against the referee. In fact, Godinho had to send off a second Porto player as Uribe head-butted an opponent.
Luis Godinho and his family received death threats all night long.
No matter what your opinion is on the referee’s decision, what happened next was terrible for the world of football. Angry Portistas threatened the life of both Godinho and his family. Additionally, his phone number and of other referees started being posted on social media groups.
Moreover, the headquarters of the Portuguese League’s Clubs Association was vandalized with a very powerful message: “Do we need to kill one of them?”
After this regrettable course of events, it was revealed that Godinho has been put under police protection since that night. Portuguese authorities are worried about the referee’s safety. Therefore, the Football Referees Association has requested an emergency meeting with the National Government to stop these criminals disguised as football fans.
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