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Benfica cop attack - suspension and a disciplinary hearing

guimaraescopThe police commander who attacked Benfica football fan José Magalhães (pictured) and his father could lose 60% of his salary during a 90 day suspension as a result of recommendations from a disciplinary hearing.

Commander Filipe Silva, whose attack in Guimarães on May 17 was seen worldwide on social media, faces the sanctions as proposed by the General Inspection of the Interior (IGAI) which has finished its inquiry into the incident.

Anabela Rodrigues Minister later confirmed the penalties proposed by IGAI that Commissioner Filipe Silva is suspended for three months and a formal disciplinary process is opened and ordered his preventive suspension for 90 days.

The PSP commander was seen to attack José Magalhães and his father in front of his two children after a match that saw Benfica win the national football championship.

Many demanded that Filipe Silva resign having seen the video clip posted on social media.

Due to dehydation concerns for the children, the family had been allowed out of the arena where the crowd had been detained after the match due to security issues.

Magalhães and his father claim that they were attacked for no reason.

Commander Silva said that Magalhães has spat in his face but the brutal use of a riot truncheon caused fans watching the game in Lisbon to run amok in protest of what they viewed as a  senseless attack by the police commander who simply had lost his temper.

After the attack, Magalhães said he would take legal advice with a view to mounting a prosecution for assault.