Pedro Proença, the top Portuguese official, was attacked by a fan in a shopping centre last Monday. The leading official suffered two broken teethes after being headbutted. Benfica, a nearby club, denounced the attack on the referee with a statement:
“Episodes like this strip sport in general and football in particular of its prestige and leave it poorer. Nothing can justify these types of acts and attitudes, because they reflect the worst of someone who has lost their values.”
The 40-year-old match official had an impressive last season culminating with the semi-final between Schalke and Manchester United as well as being named referee of the season by the Portuguese Football Federation. He is a hot candidate to referee in the upcoming European Championship.
via Daniel
