Jose Mourinho has launched a scathing attack on match officials following his team Benfica’s failure to secure victory against Casa Pia on Sunday, claiming his side “deserves more respect”.
The 62-year-old watched the Portuguese giants surrender a comfortable advantage in a match that ended 2-2 on Sunday, with a disputed penalty decision proving pivotal in the second half.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United coach, who took charge at Benfica in September after a quarter-century absence, expressed fury at what he perceived as substandard officiating.
His criticism comes as the Lisbon club’s championship aspirations suffer another setback, leaving them trailing league leaders Porto by six points.
Benfica had established a two-goal cushion before their advantage evaporated following a controversial handball decision.
The visitors were granted a penalty that goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin initially saved, but Tomas Araujo inadvertently turned the ball into his own net during the subsequent scramble.
Renato Nhaga completed the comeback with an injury-time equaliser, ensuring the points were shared.
The result proved particularly costly after Sporting Lisbon secured a dramatic 94th-minute victory at Santa Clara on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho launched a scathing attack on match officials
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REUTERS
That winning goal originated from a corner kick that officials incorrectly awarded, a decision that drew fierce criticism from Benfica and Porto representatives.
Mourinho declared that “Casa Pia didn’t have a single shot on goal” and accused VAR officials of committing “a blatant and egregious error” in awarding the penalty.
He suggested the officials had “reopened” a match that was effectively finished at 2-0.
The two-time Champions League winner said: “Benfica deserves more respect from everyone, and when I say everyone, I mean my players too, not just me.”
Jose Mourinho watched his side surrender a comfortable advantage in a match that ended 2-2
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REUTERS
He alleged the existence of “a clear double standard at all levels, whether in the media or in refereeing”.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United coach insisted that “Benfica is too big and deserves a different kind of respect” whilst maintaining that the club “demands the utmost respect” regardless of managerial credentials.
Club president Rui Costa echoed his manager’s sentiments, announcing that Benfica would seek a preliminary hearing with the Arbitration Council.
He said: “There have been too many cases like this against Benfica,” describing the weekend’s officiating controversies as “far too serious.”
Jose Mourinho accused VAR of committing ‘a blatant and egregious error’ in awarding the penalty.
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REUTERS
Costa apologised for his outspoken stance but maintained that “enough is enough”.
He highlighted how “two points for one team and two points taken from the other” could determine championship outcomes.
Since returning to Benfica, Mourinho has secured six victories from twelve matches.
His team currently sits third domestically, trailing Porto and Sporting, whilst occupying 35th position in the UCL league phase.
