José Mourinho: “I hope everything that’s happened to me in European competitions is not a consequence of the Budapest final and I hope it’s just random”. “Since that final, since my suspension the things that happened to us – we didn’t play Champions league because of a penalty on 120th minute penalty that only the fourth official saw”. “Today we come here and the VAR is considered one of the best VARs, he didn’t see one of three penalties. I just hope it’s random”. “I paid for the suspension and I hope that it’s over. I pray that this is just bad luck”. source
José Mourinho Fumes Over VAR Decisions
José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce were eliminated from the Europa League last night in a dramatic penalty shootout against Rangers, but the Portuguese manager’s post-match comments focused on the controversial VAR decisions that he believes cost his team the tie.
The Turkish side won 2-0 at Ibrox, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3 after 120 minutes of play. However, Rangers ultimately prevailed in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Jack Butland emerging as the hero by saving two spot-kicks.
Mourinho, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the officiating. He labeled referee Espen Eskas as “arrogant” and questioned the competence of the VAR team. The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager claimed his side was denied three clear penalties during the match, which could have changed the outcome of the tie.
“We were the best team by far,” Mourinho stated in his post-match interview. “The referee and the VAR decided we should go to penalties. Three penalties in 120 minutes… On the penalties, we missed three [appeals] and Rangers go through.”
Budapest Final Fallout
Mourinho drew a connection between last night’s decisions and his controversial behavior following the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest. After that match, Mourinho confronted English referee Anthony Taylor in the stadium car park, calling him “a disgrace.” This incident resulted in a four-game ban from UEFA.
The Fenerbahce manager expressed concern that he might still be facing repercussions for his past actions: “I hope everything that’s happened to me in European competitions is not a consequence of the Budapest final and I hope it’s just random”.
Pattern of Controversial Decisions
Mourinho pointed out what he perceives as a pattern of unfavorable decisions against his teams in recent European matches. He referenced a Champions League qualifying match against Lille earlier this season, where a late penalty decision went against his side.
“Since that final, since my suspension, the things that happened to us – we didn’t play Champions League because of a penalty on 120th minute that only the fourth official saw,” Mourinho lamented.
Plea for Fairness
Despite his frustration, Mourinho seemed to strike a more conciliatory tone towards the end of his comments. “I paid for the suspension and I hope that it’s over. I pray that this is just bad luck,” he said, perhaps hoping to avoid further disciplinary action from UEFA.
As Fenerbahce bow out of the Europa League, Mourinho’s focus will now shift to domestic competitions. However, his comments are likely to reignite debates about the effectiveness and consistency of VAR in European football.
Rangers, meanwhile, march on to the quarter-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao in what promises to be another thrilling European night at Ibrox
