Latest news and stories about volleyball in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portuguese volleyball referee Raquel Portela is experiencing a unique moment, with CEV Cup finals and appointments to the Nations League and, now, the Women's European Championship, and told Lusa today that her dream is to reach the Olympic Games.
The case regarding the alleged racist insults directed at Benfica volleyball player Lucas França during the match against Sporting de Espinho has been referred to the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Volleyball Federation, a federation source confirmed today.
Benfica expressed regret today, in a statement, regarding the racist insults directed at Brazilian player Lucas França during a volleyball match at Sporting de Espinho's home ground, which forced the interruption of the national championship game.
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.
