Jose Mourinho was given a two-match ban because of referee rant
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Jose Mourinho receives a 10-day ban and a fine from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for calling a referee "the worst" he has ever seen, causing him to miss the opening two matches of the Serie A season with Roma.
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Roma Jose Mourinho watches the Serie A soccer match between Roma and Bologna, Sunday, May 1 2022 (AFP)
The FIGC's disciplinary tribunal ruled that Mourinho would serve a 10-day ban, effectively making him unavailable for Roma's opening two matches of the upcoming Serie A season. The ban is set to commence from the beginning of the league season, which is scheduled to kick off on the weekend of August 19-20.
In addition to the ban, both Mourinho and Roma have been fined €50,000 ($54,000) for the coach's comments following Roma's 1-1 draw against Monza early last month. The clash with Chiffi during the match evidently left a strong impression on Mourinho, leading him to vent his frustration publicly.
Read more: Jose Mourinho charged for Europa League final referee abuse
"He is awful, he doesn't make any human connection and he has no empathy," Mourinho declared, expressing his dissatisfaction with Chiffi's performance on that fateful day.
This disciplinary action marks a setback for the 60-year-old Portuguese coach and his ambitions with Roma. Having taken charge of the club in the hope of revitalizing their fortunes, Mourinho now finds himself temporarily sidelined at the start of the new season.
Roma, meanwhile, must navigate their opening fixtures without their esteemed manager's presence on the touchline. As they aim to improve upon their sixth-place finish in Serie A last season and their loss in the Europa League final, the absence of Mourinho's tactical acumen and charismatic leadership will undoubtedly be felt.
The ban and fine imposed by the FIGC serve as a reminder of the importance of respectful conduct and the consequences of public criticism in the world of football. While passion and emotion often run high in the sport, it is crucial for coaches, players, and officials to maintain professionalism and adhere to codes of conduct.
As fans eagerly await the start of the Serie A season, all eyes will be on Roma and their response to this setback. How will Mourinho's absence influence the team's early performances, and how will they adapt without their experienced leader on the sidelines? These questions linger as the countdown to the new season continues.
Only time will tell how Mourinho and Roma overcome this obstacle, but one thing remains certain: the opening matches of the Serie A campaign will certainly be tinged with an added layer of intrigue and anticipation due to the absence of the fiery Portuguese manager.
