Roma boss Jose Mourinho has come out swinging as he blames the referee for yesterday’s Europa League final loss to Sevilla.
Yesterday’s final featured serial competition winners Sevilla and previous Europa Conference League winners Roma. Paulo Dybala put the Italian side ahead by scoring the opener in the first half. But Sevilla quickly equalized through a Gianluca Mancini own goal in the second half.
The match then had some close calls with both sides fighting for every moment. It went to extra time with no winners scored yet and then went to penalties. In the penalties, Sevilla keeper Bono made two saves and Sevilla won the shootout 4-1.
It was Sevilla’s seventh Europa League title, the most in the competition. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho tasted defeat for the first time in a European final after winning the previous five.
In typical Mourinho fashion, the Portuguese manager gave away his runners-up medal to a young fan.
Why did Roma’s boss criticize the referee?
The referee, Englishman Anthony Taylor, was accused of favoring the Spanish team. He dealt out a total of 13 yellow cards yesterday, a European final record.
Throughout the game, Mourinho was spotted yelling with referees, shouting on the sidelines, and being held while protesting in extra time. Three more cards were issued to Roma’s bench, including Jose Mourinho himself.
Roma also protested the referee’s decision to not award Erik Yamela a second yellow card for a harsh foul. Later on, they argued as a penalty was not awarded to them later in the game.
Jose Mourinho confronted referee Anthony Taylor following Roma's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 1, 2023
(via @GianluVisco) pic.twitter.com/hH0gFSiNso
After the game, Mourinho waited in the car park. After Taylor arrived, Mourinho shouted in English, “F***ing disgrace man, it’s a f***ing disgrace!”
Mourinho then switched to Italian and swore, “F*** off.” at the referee. He then again went to the mini bus that was taking the referee away and said, “Congratulations, you f***ing disgrace.” He then left the stadium himself.
According to SPORTSbible, UEFA is notified of the incident and is reportedly about to punish the manager. Either a heavy fine or a suspension is in the talks.
How has Jose Mourinho done in two years as Roma boss?
Jose Mourinho was appointed as the Roma manager two years ago. Immediately, he brought in new players such as Paulo Dybala. In two years, Roma seemed to have a philosophy of playing, which was absent before.
He brought in a defensive mentality with good counter attacking. In his first year, he finished sixth in the Seria A standings. But he brought in Roma’s first trophy in years and their first European trophy as well when they won the inaugural Europa Conference League title.
The second year was expected to be better but did not match the expectations. Roma again finished in 6th position, which means they will miss out on Champions League qualification. They also lost the chance to win another European tournament in yesterday’s final.
Mourinho: “I want to stay at AS Roma but my players deserve more… and I also deserve more”. 🚨🇵🇹 #UEL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 31, 2023
“I’m really tired to be manager, head of communication, face of the club going to stay we’ve been robbed…”.
“I want to stay but with right conditions to give my best”. pic.twitter.com/ubEMg08o0Z
Mourinho has also become more irrational over the years. He has received three red cards in Serie A this year. Regularly he is seen arguing with referees and having explosive press conferences.
Mourinho is also rumored to leave Roma this summer, with Paris Saint Germain interested in him. However, he denied any contact with the Parisians. His current contract runs until next year’s summer.
