Belenenses and Benfica played in the second half of a Primeira Liga match on Saturday, with Belenenses starting with only nine players, including two goalkeepers, after being decimated by an outbreak of Covid-19.
At the Estadio Nacional, when Benfica strolled to a 7-0 lead before halftime, Belenenses had one of their goalkeepers, Joao Monteiro, outfield and no substitutes.
After three injuries reduced Belenenses to six players, referee Manuel Mota called the game off three minutes into the second half.
“The league is a disgrace,” chanted supporters in the stadium.
According to reports in Portugal, Belenenses were missing 14 players and numerous staff members owing to Covid.
Due to injuries and bans, Belenenses coach Filipe Candido said on Saturday that he might have to promote several under-23 players.
The number of players was decreased to six.
The decision to go ahead with the fixture drew criticism, with Belenenses midfielder Afonso Sousa, one of the absent players, writing on Twitter: “Football only has colour if it has competition. Football only has colour if it has sporting truth. Football only has colour when it is an example of public health. Today, football has lost its colour.”