A remarkable turn of events saw the Portuguese Primeira Liga game between Belenenses and Benfica abandoned after the former were reduced to 6 players!
The Belenenses matchday squad was limited to just 9 players for the game because of a Covid outbreak within the club.
They started the game with 9 outfields, including 2 goalkeepers against the strong 11-men Benfica side.
What followed was an embarrassment, as Benfica scored 7 goals in the first half itself.
After the break, Belenenses emerged with just 7 men – citing injury issues for some players.
A minute into the second half, their player Monteiro dropped to the floor, forcing the referee to call off the game after Belenenses were reduced to just 6 players.
Before the game, the Belenenses players said in a statement: “Football only has heart if it is competitive. Football only has heart if it is really sporting. Football only has heart when it is an example of public health. Today, football lost its heart.”
The fact that a Portuguese top division game was allowed to take place with one team having 9 players astounded fans and players all over.
Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva expressed his shock, tweeting during the game: “What is this? Am I the only one who doesn't understand why the game hasn't been postponed?”
The Portuguese FA are yet to make a statement on the matter.
