Suspension shock

Five Olhanense players – Mladen, Jander, Luís Filipe, Paulo Sérgio and Celestino – will miss Sunday’s game against Nacional after being booked at Arouca and amassing five yellow cards and an automatic one-match ban. In addition, captain Rui Duarte and top scorer Dionisi are fighting against time to be fit. One crumb of comfort for manager Giuseppe Galderisi is the return of Lucas Souza after his one match ban.
The long trip north to Arouca resulted in Olhanense losing to two dubious penalties. The first was given for a very contentious handball after half-an-hour, and the second came at the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.
In between, 11 yellow cards had been flourished by referee Jorge Ferreira. In addition, Arouca’s Ceballos saw red in the ninetieth minute, shortly after Olhanense winger Paulo Sérgio was booked for appealing for a penalty when Cássio clearly fouled Tozé Marreco!
Giuseppe Galderisi said: “I have always respected referees and opponents but in 35 years in the game this was the worst officiating I have seen and there were many decisions I did not understand.”
Nacional, who gave champions elect Benfica a fright in Madeira on Monday before losing 4-2, will be tough opponents for Olhanense, who will have to cobble together a team as they fight to maintain their Premiera Liga status. Kick-off on Sunday at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125) is at 3pm and reduced ticket prices will be available on the day.
By Chris Wright