Jose Mourinho appeared to express frustration with the officiating after Fenerbahce’s agonizing exit from the UEFA Champions League.
The seasoned Portuguese manager watched as his ambitions of leading the Yellow Canaries into Europe’s top-tier competition were dashed by LOSC Lille on Tuesday night.
Fenerbahce entered the second leg trailing 2-1 and faced a daunting task at the electric Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
True to Mourinho’s style, his team began with intensity, creating several chances, but they struggled to convert them into goals.
Despite their relentless pressure, it wasn’t until stoppage time in the 90th minute that they finally broke the deadlock, courtesy of an own goal by Bafode Diakite.
However, the joy was short-lived. In extra time, Jonathan David coolly slotted home a penalty, leveling the match on the night and securing a 3-2 aggregate victory for Lille, per Goal.
The result condemned Mourinho’s side to the Europa League, a competition he previously conquered with Manchester United in 2017 and with FC Porto in 2003, when it was known as the UEFA Cup.
Mourinho criticises referees after Champions League exit
Reflecting on the outcome, Mourinho hinted that external factor, particularly officiating, could be the key to his success or failure in the Europa League.
When asked about Fenerbahce’s chances in the competition, the ‘Special One’ cryptically alluded to the possibility of interference.
Source – Jose Mourinho: Fenerbahce boss criticises referees after Champions League exit (msn.com)
