José Mourinho has criticised match officials and members of the FC Porto staff after he was sent off during a dramatic 2–2 draw in O Clássico.
The S.L. Benfica manager was shown a red card late in the match following heated exchanges on the touchline after his side fought back from two goals down.
Despite the drama, the result leaves Porto at the top of the Primeira Liga standings, holding a four-point lead over Sporting CP.
Porto take early control
Porto made a strong start and opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Victor Froholdt.
The visitors doubled their advantage before halftime when Oskar Pietuszewski found the net, putting the league leaders firmly in control of the match.
Benfica, however, responded strongly after the break. Andreas Schjelderup pulled one back before Leandro Barreiro scored a dramatic equaliser in the 89th minute.
The late goal sparked chaotic scenes on the touchline, which ultimately led to Mourinho’s dismissal.
Mourinho disputes red card
Speaking after the match, Mourinho rejected the referee’s explanation for sending him off.
“The referee said he sent me off because I kicked a ball towards the FC Porto substitutes’ bench,” he said.
“That’s completely false. Many times when we score, I kick the ball towards the stands to give a lucky fan a chance. I know I’m not very good technically, but it was meant for the stands. I was wrongly sent off.”
The former Chelsea F.C. and Real Madrid C.F. manager also alleged that a Porto assistant coach repeatedly insulted him during the match.
“He called me a traitor 50 times. I’d like him to explain to me — a traitor to what?” Mourinho said.
“I went to FC Porto, I gave my soul to the club. I travelled the world and gave 24 hours of my life every day. That’s called professionalism.”
Title race still alive
Despite Benfica’s late comeback, Mourinho admitted Porto were the better side for much of the match.
“For a large part of the game, FC Porto were closer to winning than we were,” he said. “They are far superior to us in the intensity of the game.”
Porto currently lead the league with 66 points, while Benfica sit seven points behind in the standings.
“There are 27 points left to play for,” Mourinho added. “Seven points is not easy to recover, but as long as it’s mathematically possible, anything can happen.” ⚽
