The Portuguese Cup final between Sporting CP and Benfica will be remembered not just for its dramatic on-pitch moments — but for a scandal that has ignited fury across the country and drawn in Portugal’s legal authorities.

Mateus Reis Accused of Assaulting Andrea Belotti

In added time, Sporting defender Mateus Reis delivered a shocking assault on Benfica forward Andrea Belotti, first kicking him in the face and then, most controversially, stamping on his head. The incident was caught on broadcast footage, yet remarkably, the match officials took no action: the referee didn’t call a foul, the assistant referee appeared to have seen the moment, and VAR also failed to intervene.

Prosecutors Step In

On Tuesday, Portugal’s Attorney General’s Office announced that it has opened a case against Reis for allegedly causing serious bodily harm, citing Articles 144 and 147 of the Portuguese Penal Code, which mandate criminal prosecution for such acts. Sports agent César Boaventura was among those calling for legal action, arguing that the assault goes far beyond a sporting incident.

Benfica’s Protest and Sporting’s Controversial Celebration

Benfica has lodged an official protest with the Portuguese Football Federation, demanding an urgent investigation and warning that the club may refuse to cooperate with the federation on hosting national team matches at their stadium.

Adding fuel to the fire, a video surfaced on social media showing Sporting players celebrating their title win alongside a poster bearing Mateus Reis’s name and the phrase: “Here we step on the head.” Although the video was later deleted, it had already gone viral, leading to widespread public outrage and even reported threats against Reis, who has since fled to Brazil for safety.

For those wishing to view the match footage, the video of the Sporting vs Benfica incident can be found here.