Sporting Lisbon in chaos: President ‘suspends’ manager Jorge Jesus — and players ‘boycott cup final’ as show of solidarity

SPORTING LISBON president Bruno de Carvalho has reportedly suspended manager Jorge Jesus after the club missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.

New Uefa changes means only the top two from Portugal's Primeira Liga make it into Europe's premier competition next season.

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Following a 0-0 draw against Benfica in the penultimate day of the season, Sporting went into the final round of games with their destiny in their own hands.

However, a last-minute howler from club icon Rui Patricio saw the club fall to a shock 2-1 defeat at Maritimo and gift the final place to their arch-rivals.

Following the defeat, the crowd showered the team with whistles and jeers and the legendary goalkeeper alleged needed protection from irate fans as they made their way to the airport.

De Carvalho then called a crisis meeting, in which he is a alleged to have suspended Jesus — despite still needing to play the Portuguese Cup final this Sunday evening.

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And local reports are also suggesting high-profile players William Carvalho and Patricio are prepared to boycott the showpiece as a show of solidarity with the manager.

Should Jesus not take his place on the bench for the final against Aves, it is understood goalkeeper coach Nelson Pereira and B team coach Luis Martins will take charge of affairs.

De Carvalho has denied these reports, insisting "nobody was suspended" and the meeting was simply held because of the huge cash windfall they will now miss out on.

It has been a season of crises for the Lisbon giants.

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Following a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their Europa League quarter-final first leg, De Carvalho criticised the players on Twitter for "stupid mistakes".

And he was then alleged to have suspended the entire first team.

In reply, several stars signed a statement, demanding more "respect", and De Carvalho then called them "spoilt brats". However, they were allowed to play the return leg and won it 1-0.

In March, star man Gelson Martins earned a red card for dedicating a late winner to imprisoned former team-mate Ruben Semedo.

It meant he missed the crucial next clash with Porto, which Sporting lost 2-1.