Braga’s uneasy autumn deepened after a 2-1 home defeat to Gil Vicente, with the Portuguese club directing its anger at the referee and VAR as well as confronting a widening sporting crisis. The result was followed by the dismissal of head coach Carlos Vicens, while Franclim Carvalho has taken charge with the task of changing the team’s course immediately.
A disputed equaliser in Braga
The flashpoint came in the build-up to Gil Vicente’s equalising goal. Pau Víctor, the 24-year-old former Barcelona forward, was left with a bloodied foot after an incident that Braga believed should have brought a foul before the visitors levelled the match.
- Braga communications director Alexandre Carvalho published an image showing the injury to Pau Víctor’s ankle.
- He also shared footage of a late challenge involving Ricardo Horta, from which Braga argued a penalty should have been awarded.
- Carvalho criticised both the officiating and the video review system, asking where VAR had been and calling for an end to what he described as amateurism.
- He said the incident involving Pau Víctor had directly preceded Gil Vicente’s 1-1 goal, and added that the Horta appeal was an obvious penalty.
Pau Víctor, who scored Braga’s only goal, also demanded an explanation after the final whistle. He accepted that the squad must examine its own failings, saying performances had not gone as the club wanted, but insisted the players deserved answers.
Referring to the incident that left his sock soaked in blood, the forward questioned why no foul had been given before Gil Vicente went on to score their equaliser.
Vicens removed as pressure turns into change
The defeat carried immediate consequences beyond the refereeing controversy. Carlos Vicens has been removed from his position as Braga coach, with Franclim Carvalho appointed to lead the response.
The change arrives with Braga ninth in the Portuguese league on nine points. Porto, the division’s leaders, have 24, leaving a sizeable early gap between the Minho club and the summit.
A difficult continental start
Braga’s domestic concerns have been matched by a disappointing opening in Europe. Their Conference League campaign began with a 3-0 loss to Copenhagen, adding another demanding fixture to a period already marked by frustration in the league and upheaval on the bench.
