Porto captain Pepe is facing a premature end to his career after being threatened with a two-year ban for his part in the 40-man brawl between Porto and Sporting Lisbon on Friday, February 11, 2022.
The two Portuguese heavyweights were involved in a mass altercation at the end of their top-of-the-table clash, which saw the referee brandish four red cards – having already sent off Sebastian Coates of Sporting during the 2-2 draw.
Portuguese authorities have opened up disciplinary proceedings following the match, with no fewer than eight individuals under scrutiny for incidents on the field.
And according to Marca, as per A Bola, Pepe could be hit with a two-year ban after he was cited for kicking Sporting coach and former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana.
According to the publication, Pepe has been handed a temporary two-game ban while the matter is investigated. The violent conduct charge levelled at the former Real Madrid defender can carry a sanction of anything from two months to two years.
Given the centre back’s age, it is likely that a two-year ban would bring the curtain down on his playing career at the top level.
Remarkably, despite his reputation, it was the defender’s first red card since being sent off for Besiktas in a Turkish cup defeat by rivals Fernerbahce back in 2018.
Pepe is one of eight players and staff to have proceedings opened against them. Sporting’s Joao Palhinha has been hit with a three-game ban and a €1,530 fine for slapping an opponent, while team-mate Coates has also been fined for his red card.
Porto’s Argentine goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin has been suspended for two games – also for kicking an opponent – while Sporting manager Ruben Amorim and his assistant Carlos Fernandes have been banned for one game for entering the field of play.
Sporting’s Bruno Tabata is also facing a lengthy ban for shoving a Porto coach, while Matheus Reis is also facing further action for an incident during the game.
Five minutes of ABSOLUTE CHAOS to end a thriller between Porto and Sporting
Pepe received one of three red cards shown after the final whistle, as carnage broke out between both sets of players and staff.
Source: Daily Mail
