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Jose Mourinho suspended for the first 10 days of Serie A following ‘worst referee’ comments

According to news agency ANSA, AS Roma head coach Jose Mourinho will face a 10-day suspension at the start of the upcoming Serie A season.

The punishment is due to his contentious remarks about referee Daniele Chiffi. Mourinho unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a plea bargain, leading to a formal judgement.

The verdict imposes a touchline ban on the Portuguese manager that will take effect on the first day of the 2023/24 Serie A campaign. 

Consequently, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager will have to watch the opening Serie A match of the season from the sidelines.

The disciplinary action extends beyond Mourinho. They have fined Roma €50,000, with an additional €50,000 penalty for the coach. 

These sanctions stemmed from Mourinho’s clash with Chiffi during the 1-1 draw between Roma and AC Monza on May 3. 

However, it was not the on-field matters but the coach’s subsequent statements to the media that ultimately incurred the ban.

Mourinho did not hold back in his criticism. He told DAZN (via Football Italia): “This was the worst referee I have encountered in my entire career.


“Believe me, I have dealt with many bad referees. Usually, when I talk about referees, it is because they have a direct influence on the game. 

“In this case, I do not think that is true. But he is horrible. He makes no human connection with anyone and has no empathy.

“He gives a red card to a player who slips because he is exhausted at the 96th minute.”

Mourinho admitted that he refrained from communicating with his players during the final minutes of the game. 

The 60-year-old said he feared that any remark would be an excuse Chiffi to expel him from the game.

UEFA recently handed Mourinho a four-match ban following his rant at Europa League final referee Anthony Taylor.

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