Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira has slammed the refereeing in both games against Chelsea as scandalous.
The Portuguese side had three players booked during the first half of last night’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea and midfielder Maxi Pereira ordered off for two yellow cards.
Despite that handicap it took an injury time goal from Raul Meireles to finally book Chelsea’s place against Barcelona.
A number of people have suggested that the bigger clubs get the breaks when it comes to the Champions League with Bayern Munich and Chelsea standing in the way of a Real Madrid-Barcelona final next month.
Speaking in Portugal today Vieira said: “We can’t understand how Slovenian referee Damir Skomina was in charge of this match and we will explain our position to the Portuguese federation.
“I don’t know whether the federation is capable of doing anything. Surely everyone saw what happened here.
“It is evident that this is a business and that there was no desire to see Benfica go through. Refereeing has reached a scandalous point.”
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus added: “We were penalised by the referee, unfortunately, and unjustly I feel, but that’s football in the end.
“We come away as losers but I feel my team gave everything and I am very proud of my players.
“Over the two games we proved we were much the better team. What hurts me is that we’ve knocked out better teams than this Chelsea.”
CLICK HERE for Celtic’s Champions League route
CLICK HERE for Brian Kennedy Rangers newco frightens me
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
Lyon, a few years back anyone?
message to benfica president.come to scotland and we will show you refereeing that will make you wish you were back at stamford bridge.
I didn’t see the full game but I did feel they were being harshly treated in comparison to some of the tackles Chelsea were allowed.
Good for Benfica to come out and publically state they think teams are getting preferential treatment due to money.
Scandalous Lennon with get sanctions over this.
Only in Scotland.