Jose Mourinho received a red card after accusing the referee of favoring Real Madrid players during the Champions League match against Benfica.
The Portuguese coach was sent off late in the game, adding to the controversy of an already heated European match.
Mourinho later stated that his dismissal was not about Vinicius Jr., but rather about what he saw as inconsistent refereeing. His comments have sparked discussion regarding the referee’s decisions.
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Mourinho explains his red card
After the match, Jose Mourinho discussed the reason for his red card. He denied that it was linked to any incidents involving Vinicius Jr.
Instead, he expressed that his protest was about what he perceived as biased protection for Real Madrid players.
“Did I get sent off for telling the ref to send off Vini? No, I got sent off because I told him I knew he had a note saying ‘you can’t book Huijsen, Carreras, and Tchouaméni,’ as they would be suspended. I understand how these situations work,” he said.
His remarks suggested that he believed some Real Madrid players were being shielded from receiving yellow cards that could lead to suspensions.
Champions League clash marked by controversy
The match between Benfica and Real Madrid was already filled with tension before Mourinho’s dismissal. The game had various controversial moments.
The red card shifted focus from the game’s score to the quality of officiating. Mourinho’s statements have led to increased examination of how yellow cards were handled.
The Real Madrid players in question were reportedly at risk of suspension in the tournament, making any potential yellow cards significant.
With a second leg still upcoming, Mourinho’s claims have heightened the tension surrounding the matchup. The implications of this incident are expected to linger in the lead-up to the next game.