The referee dismisses Joao Pinto (8) (Allsport).
PORTUGAL DEFEND PINTO
By Jason Hughes, PA International, Yokohama
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Portuguese league president Valentim Loureiro is
convinced that Portugal star Joao Pinto is innocent of assaulting a referee at
the World Cup.
Pinto could face a serious sanction from FIFA after allegedly punching
Argentinian referee Angel Sanchez following his dismissal in Friday's Group D
defeat by the Korean Republic which saw Portugal exit the World Cup.
The Portuguese arrived back in Lisbon on Sunday morning from the Far East where the
coaching staff received a frosty welcome from fans.
FIFA communications director Keith Cooper said a report on the incident
involving Pinto had been submitted to the body's disciplinary committee - which
was due to meet on Sunday - and that a special hearing with the referee would take
place on Wednesday in Tokyo.
But Loureiro is adamant Pinto did not assault the referee.
"Joao Pinto has told me he did not assault the referee," said Loureiro at
Lisbon's Portela Airport.
"I did not see Joao Pinto assault anyone. What I saw was Joao Pinto mad for
being sent-off and I admit he could have touched the referee, but for sure he
did not assault him."
Loureiro was one of hundreds of people waiting at the airport for the
Portuguese players and coaches.
The crowd spared the players from abuse, instead concentrating their anger on
Gilberto Madail, the Portuguese FA president, and coach Antonio Oliveira, with
both men receiving a chorus of jeers as they stepped off the plane.
Portugal, semi-finalists at Euro 2000, were one of the teams tipped for
success at the World Cup, but joined France and Argentina as one of the big
names to disappoint and suffer an early exit.
After a shock 3-2 defeat to the USA in their opening match of the tournament,
Portugal looked to be back on course with a 4-0 win over Poland in their second
match.
It proved a false dawn, however, and Figo and Co crashed out after losing 1-0
to South Korea.
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