At the end of Benfica's 2-2 draw with Porto on 8/3 in Portuguese league matchday 25, Jose Mourinho received a red card. He left his technical area and kicked a ball towards Porto's dugout. "The Special One" later explained he was celebrating a goal and intended to kick the ball into the stands.

In addition to the one-match ban for the red card, the Portuguese coach also received an 11-day suspension for an argument with Porto assistant coach Lucho Gonzalez.

Jose Mourinho reacts after Benfica equalized 2-2 against Porto in a Portuguese league matchday 25 game at Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal on 8/3/2026. *Photo: screenshot*

The one-match ban means Mourinho will not directly manage Benfica's game against Arouca on 14/3 evening in Portuguese league matchday 26. The 63-year-old coach will also miss the pre-match press conference.

The 11-day suspension means Mourinho will also be unable to coach Benfica in their next match against Vitoria on 21/3. Portuguese media reported that these two penalties are not served concurrently. Benfica announced they will appeal, stating the ban for Mourinho is "unfair and baseless".

The incident that led to Mourinho's red card.

According to the disciplinary committee, tension between Mourinho and Gonzalez began when the Benfica coach made a gesture by joining his thumb and forefinger, repeatedly saying, "you are so small". Gonzalez responded by calling Mourinho, who led Porto to a Champions League title in 2004, a "traitor".

Mourinho was not the only one penalized; Porto assistant coach Gonzalez also received a one-match ban and an eight-day suspension.

In summer 2025, Mourinho signed a two-year contract with Benfica, returning to the club after 25 years. Under the Portuguese coach, Benfica has recorded eight losses, seven draws, and 21 wins, achieving a 58,33% win rate. This season, Benfica lost 0-1 to Porto in the National Cup quarterfinals, was eliminated by Real in the Champions League play-off round, and is currently third in the Portuguese league, seven points behind the top spot.

Hong Duy (via ESPN)