Real coach Mourinho hit with three-match UEFA ban

AFP, Friday 6 May 2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho punished for anti-Barcelona tirade after Champions League clash

Jose Mourinho

UEFA on Friday handed a three-match ban to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho after he made allegations of favouritism towards bitter rivals and Champions League conquerors Barcelona.

Mourinho, already banned from the touchline for Tuesday's semi-final second leg at Camp Nou, which cemented Real's exit 3-1 on aggregate, will have a further one-match ban suspended for three years.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body found that a string of comments from Mourinho alleging that Barcelona benefited from decisions in their favour at their rivals' expense had constituted "inappropriate statements".

The Portuguese coach, who had been hoping to become the first man ever to coach three teams to the European Cup after previous successes with FC Porto and Inter Milan, was also fined 50,000 euros ($72,500).

Real defender Pepe, who was red-carded in the first leg, received a one-match ban but UEFA said it would consider this already served as he did not feature in the return leg.

Real furthermore received a 20,000 euro fine for poor conduct by their supporters.

Barcelona reserve goalkeeper Jose Pinto, red-carded in a half-time melee in the first leg, received a three-match ban.

It means he cannot take part in the Champions League final on 28 May against Manchester United, nor the first UEFA club competition match that Barca play next season.

Both clubs may appeal their punishments within three days.

Mourinho unleashed a tirade against Barca, where he started out as a translator to former coach Bobby Robson 14 years ago, with comments including: "I don't know if Barcelona are friendly or not.

"They are a great team, so congratulations to them, but they have this power. Pepe sent off and me too. I don't know why."

He also directed barbs at Barca counterpart Pep Guardiola, saying: "I would be embarrassed to win the Champions League like this."

Short link: