Roma fell to defeat against Sevilla in the Europa League final on Thursday night, taking the lead through Paulo Dybala, then being pegged back by a Gianluca Mancini own goal. Unseparable in extra time, Sevilla won on penalties. After the match, Jose Mourinho blamed the referees for the defeat.
The decision from Taylor and VAR was just one of a few controversial decisions. Earlier in the game, Mourinho was seen in a state of fury after his side weren't awarded a penalty for a handball on Fernando.
Nemanja Matic delivered a cross into the box but it struck the Brazilian's arm. However, VAR adjudged that Fernando's arm was in a natural position. Mourinho then went a huge rant in his post-match press conference before he was later seen in the car park swearing at Taylor.
Mourinho claimed they had been involved in ‘various incidents’ which had cost his side the game. A video would then emerge of Mourinho waiting for the referees after the game, in order to shout at them.
“You’re a f****** disgrace, you’re a f****** disgrace!”
“Even Rosetti [UEFA delegate] said it wasn’t a penalty and you aren’t capable.”
“F****** UEFA, f****** UEFA!”
The incident he was referring to was a penalty decision for Lucas Ocampos in the box, which was then overturned after a VAR review.
Mourinho refused to accept any responsibility for the match, blaming the referees for his downfall, before deciding to get involved after the match.
With referees increasingly the targets of abhorrent abuse, and fewer and fewer referees avaiable, Mourinho’s behaviour could risk inspiring parents around the world to think that it is acceptable behaviour to accost a referee after a match despite the major controversy.