Benfica's head coach, Jose Mourinho, who lost to Real Madrid with a minimal score (0:1) in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off stage, made harsh statements regarding the red card he received during the match.
İdman.Biz reports with reference to "Marca" that the experienced specialist stated that the reason for his expulsion from the field was not related to Vinicius Junior not receiving a second yellow card. Mourinho claimed that the referees were protecting the opposing players.
"I was sent off for telling a simple truth. The referee had a list of Real Madrid players who were at risk of missing the next match. From my experience, I know who was at risk of being out of the squad and they were not shown a card. The rules are known to everyone. "Real" deservedly won. I will not be with my team in the next match, but my assistants will do a perfect job," said the head coach.
It is worth remembering that in the 85th minute of the match, Vinicius Junior hit Benfica midfielder Richard Rios in the leg, but referee François Letexier ignored the episode. However, the Brazilian winger had previously received a warning for celebrating a goal and a conflict with Gianluca Prestianni. Mourinho, who strongly protested this decision, received two consecutive yellow cards and was removed from the technical area.