Jose Mourinho sent off during Benfica’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho was dismissed to the stands during Benfica’s Champions League encounter with Real Madrid on Tuesday evening following a heated exchange with match official Francois Letexier in the 85th minute, reports BritPanorama.
The confrontation arose after Letexier declined to issue a second yellow card to Vinicius Jr., who had already been cautioned earlier in the match. Mourinho’s frustration mounted as the Real Madrid winger committed a foul on Richard Rios, and his subsequent protests led to his expulsion from the match.
Unfolding drama in the fixture saw Vinicius later alleging that he faced racist abuse from Gianluca Prestianni, which overshadowed his earlier goal that had opened the scoring and showcased his impressive form on the pitch.
The match was marred by a tense atmosphere in the second half, with commentators like Alan Shearer remarking on the unpleasant developments, suggesting the narrative might shift from the remarkable goal to the troubling events surrounding it. Despite his dismissal, Mourinho managed to inject a touch of humor by taking up a position in the front row behind the Benfica bench, a move that left nearby spectators amused.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg raised concerns about Mourinho’s proximity to the game after his sending off, noting that UEFA might take issue with his presence in the technical area of the Benfica staff.
The incident is likely to draw further scrutiny from European football’s governing body in the days to come.
This episode serves as a reminder of the fine line footballers and managers tread, where a moment of passion can escalate into a significant event disrupting the game.
