Even for Jose Mourinho, it’s an achievement to get into trouble for questioning a referee’s performance before a game has even taken place.
The Special One has never had the warmest relationship with the FA’s chosen officials, finding himself in hot water numerous times during his days as Chelsea manager.
As Manchester United prepare for Monday night’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, Mourinho is set to be contacted by English football’s governing body over comments he made regarding referee Anthony Taylor, who is taking charge of the match.
The Portuguese questioned whether Taylor could have “a very good performance” – as per the Guardian – because so much pressure has been placed on him. Liverpool fans have been furious with the appointment of the Manchester-born ref, and Mourinho has now delved into the mind games.
“I don’t really want to say too much more on the matter,” he added.
“I have my view but I have learned a lesson, if you want to call it that, by being punished so many times for my words about referees.”
It’s almost certainly too late for that, as FA rules stipulate that managers mustn’t talk about referees before the game. Luckily, the United manager is no stranger to fines, touchline bans, you name it, so this is another punishment he’ll no doubt take in his stride.
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