Monday 23 February 2015

Mourinho demands apology over Costa treatment as he slams ‘criminal’ Barnes tackle


Mourinho demands apology over Costa treatment as he slams ‘criminal’ Barnes tackle









Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho launched a lengthy attack on referees and media coverage of his team during an appearance on Sky Sports.
The Blues boss refused to comment on his issues with officials following his side’s 1-1 draw with Premier League strugglers Burnley on Saturday, but was more forthcoming on the network’s Goals on Sunday show, where he branded Ashley Barnes' tackle on Nemanja Matic as “criminal”.
Matic was sent off for his reaction to Barnes' tackle in the 70th minute at Stamford Bridge, but the Burnley player went remarkably unpunished despite a shocking challenge.
But that wasn’t all Mourinho had to say to the broadcaster he had strongly criticised for their coverage of Diego Costa's stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can last month, when replays of the incident carried the caption 'Costa's crimes'.
Costa was later handed a retrospective three-match ban, and, taking the opportunity to turn the tables, Mourinho used a question about Barnes' tackle to repeat his complaint.
"When I finished at the game against Liverpool, I went to the dressing room and the first thing I saw on the big screen, reading non-stop - 'Diego Costa crimes'," he said.
"I would like to know how to you, Sky Sports, describe the actions of the Burnley player yesterday? My English is not good enough to find a word.
"When you think 'Diego crimes' after he puts his boot on a hand, when this is 'Diego crimes', the minimum you have to say is 'criminal tackle'.
"Did you apologise to Chelsea, to Diego or myself? You didn't. As an institution, Sky is so important in the Premier League, you never apologise.
"When Diego Costa has a three-match ban, probably three matches to Matic... tell me how many matches this player deserves?"
"I don't like the fact you start immediately, in that moment, the public judgement of the player," he added with regard to the Costa coverage. "You gave no space to the people that have to decide, the pressure was so much.
"You don't do this with every club, with every player. Last year, Yaya Toure against Norwich, you didn't have the same approach; [Robin] van Persie against West Ham, you didn't have the same approach.
"This one [on Saturday] was even worse. This can be end of career. Matic is a very lucky guy."

No comments:

Post a Comment