Liga Portugal recently shone a light on ethical conduct within its ranks by presenting the annual Neno – Fair Play Awards. These distinctions are bestowed upon clubs and players who have demonstrated exemplary disciplinary standards throughout the competitive season. The award is named in profound respect for Neno, a figure whose legacy as both a player and a person remains special and unforgettable within the landscape of Portuguese professional football. It serves as a tangible reminder of the paramount importance of sportsmanship and ethical behavior in the sport.
In the premier division, Liga Portugal Betclic, Gil Vicente FC distinguished itself by earning the Fair Play award. Notably, this marks the second consecutive season that the club has received this recognition, showcasing a sustained commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct. Their achievement reflects consistent positive evaluations across the various disciplinary criteria assessed by the league. Francisco Dias da Silva, the Honorary President of Gil Vicente FC, was present to receive the prestigious trophy from Bernardo Azevedo, the Director General of Liga Comercial.
The commitment to fair play extended equally to the second tier, Liga Portugal 2 Meu Super. Here, SL Benfica B mirrored the success of Gil Vicente FC, also claiming the Fair Play award for the second successive year. The reserve team maintained an impressive disciplinary record throughout the demanding 34-game league schedule, demonstrating that competitive ambition can coexist harmoniously with ethical conduct. Paulo de Mariz Rozeira, Executive Director of Liga Portugal, presented the award to Sílvio Cervan, Vice-President of SL Benfica.
Understanding the basis of this award reveals a structured and comprehensive evaluation process. The Neno Fair Play Award criteria are precisely outlined in the Liga Portugal Fair Play Regulation, which functions as an essential annex to the broader Competitions Regulation. Following the conclusion of every single match across the leagues, trained Liga Portugal Delegates are tasked with the critical duty of completing a detailed assessment form.
The parameters under scrutiny are clear and cover key aspects of matchday conduct. These include, but are not limited to, the quantifiable accumulation of yellow and red cards by players and technical staff. Beyond mere statistics, delegates also assess the level of respect displayed towards opponents and, critically, towards the match officials. Furthermore, the behavior of the attending public and other designated sporting agents involved in the game is factored into the final evaluation. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the award is a holistic reflection of a club`s adherence to the spirit and rules of football throughout the entire season.
In a sport often defined by fierce passion and intense rivalry, accolades like the Neno Fair Play Award serve as a vital anchor, highlighting the foundational values of respect, integrity, and fair competition. The back-to-back recognition of both Gil Vicente FC and SL Benfica B is a commendable achievement that underscores their organizational commitment to these principles. They stand as positive examples, proving that success on the field is truly enriched when accompanied by unwavering sportsmanship.
