Jose Mourinho could face a UEFA ban after launching a foul-mouthed rant at Premier League referee Anthony Taylor.
Mourinho angrily confronted English official Taylor after Roma’s defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League and called him a “f***ing disgrace” and accused him of making “bull**** decisions.” Roma boss Mourinho waited in the underground car park at Budapest’s Puskas Arena after the game to launch his verbal attack which was filmed and has now been posted across social media.
Mourinho shouted: “F***ing disgrace man, it's a f***ing disgrace.” Mourinho then switched to swear at the official in Italian. “F*** off,” he added. Mourinho then approached the mini-bus taking the referee away from the stadium where he sniped: “Congratulations, you f***ing disgrace.”
UEFA referees’ boss Roberto Rosetti then stepped in to calm the situation down and try to usher Mourjnho away. UEFA have confirmed they will now wait on Taylor’s report before taking further action but it could lead to a fine and touchline ban. They are likely to make any announcement next week after studying the video and the report.
West Ham captain Declan Rice was handed a two-game ban after angrily confronting referee Jesus Gil Manzano and accused him of "corruption" in a video taken from an angry tunnel-bust-up after the Hammers lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi final last May.
Mourinho had been seen arguing with the officials during a bad-tempered Europa League final when both benches were given yellow cards and fourth official, Prem ref Michael Oliver, stepped in to calm them both down. Ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho was incensed by Taylor’s display and held up seven fingers at the end, indicating how many players were cautioned.
Taylor handed out 13 yellows to both sets of players which is a record for a final in the competition. Mourinho and two of his coaches were also cautioned during the game while Roma players were incensed that ex-Tottenham winger Erik Lamela was not sent off for a second yellow card and the Sevilla star then scored in the shoot-out.
Sevilla lifted the trophy for a record-extending seventh time after winning on penalties after a drab 1-1 draw in Budapest. That means they now qualify for the Champions League next season.
Mourinho had been hoping for a record sixth victory in a major European final that would have seen him eclipse legendary Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who has won five major European trophies. Roma are still hoping to clinch a Europa League place for next season but are desperate for Mourinho to stay despite now missing out on a place in next season’s Champions League.
