ISTANBUL, 2024 OCTOBER 24 – Jose Mourinho was sent off in Fenerbahçe SK’s 1-1 UEFA Europa League draw with his former club, Manchester United FC, on Thursday after a tense exchange with the referee over a rejected penalty claim. Speaking post-match to TNT Sports, Mourinho mocked the referee’s reasoning, which he said included a claim of “incredible” dual focus on the action in the penalty area and Mourinho’s behaviour on the sideline.
“He told me something incredible,” Mourinho commented dryly. “He said that at the same time, he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline. I congratulate him because he’s absolutely incredible. His peripheral vision during the game, [at] 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and he had one eye on the bench and on my behaviour. So that’s the explanation he gave me. That’s why he is one of the best referees in the world.”
Expressing his frustration with UEFA officiating, Mourinho hinted at a move away from European competitions in the future. “When I leave Fenerbahçe, maybe I’ll go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competitions,” he joked. “So, if any bottom-table club in England needs a coach in two years, I’m available.”
The match saw United take an early lead with Christian Eriksen’s 15th-minute goal, while Fenerbahce equalised in the 49th minute with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring from an Allan Saint-Maximin cross. Despite the draw, Mourinho praised his players’ resilience and tactical adaptability. “My team was fantastic. Against a stronger side, we adapted, even finishing with a center-back at right-back and a right-back at left-back. We showed incredible spirit and deserved more.”
Mourinho’s red card adds to his ongoing issues with European referees, referencing his four-game ban in the Europa League final against Sevilla FC in May. He suggested an appeal would only increase the punishment. “If I appeal, I’ll get six months,” he remarked.
Mourinho, who led United to a Europa League title in 2017, took the helm at Fenerbahçe this offseason.