The match between Sporting de Espinho and Benfica, part of the national volleyball championship play-off quarter-finals, was interrupted for about 10 minutes following an alleged racist insult directed at Benfica player Lucas França. During the fourth set of the match—which ended in a 3-1 victory for Benfica—the Brazilian middle blocker reportedly heard an insult from the stands. Lucas França reacted immediately, threw the ball out of play, and went to the bench visibly distressed, stating he had been called a 'monkey'. The game continued for a few more points but was eventually halted as the athlete requested the referees to identify the perpetrator, involving Portuguese Volleyball Federation delegates and authorities. Benfica coach Marcel Matz expressed his dismay after the match, stating that such incidents are deeply painful and tarnish the sport, while lamenting that they continue to occur.