Mourinho fumes at referee 'bias'
Monday, April 23, 2007
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes his team's push for a third Premiership title is being undermined by decisions in favour of Manchester United.
Mourinho, speaking after his team's goalless draw at Newcastle, claimed Middlesbrough were denied a clear penalty at Old Trafford on Saturday.
"The circumstances are difficult for us with the new football rules that we have to face," said Mourinho.
"It is not possible to have a penalty against Manchester United."
Middlesbrough's Lee Dong-Gook appeared to be fouled by John O'Shea in the final minute of their 1-1 draw with United at Old Trafford - but a penalty was not awarded.
In United's previous game, Sheffield United were denied a spot-kick when Gabriel Heinze brought down Luton Shelton.
606: DEBATE
Mourinho has a just complaint
golfdave2
And Mourinho felt that his Chelsea team should have been given a penalty at Newcastle for a handball by Stephen Carr.
"It was a penalty at Old Trafford. It was a penalty to us. We are talking about points," he said.
"It is not a conspiracy, it is fact. I speak facts. If not, I need big glasses.
"If you tell me it was not a penalty for Sheffield United, or a penalty for Middlesbrough, or for us against Newcastle. I must go to my optician."
The Football Association told BBC Sport it is aware of Mourinho's remarks but is making no further comment at this stage.
MANCHESTER UNITED v CHELSEA
5-------Penalties won--------4
4----Penalties conceded----2
* Stats from Premiership only
Mourinho says he will be disappointed if he receives an FA charge.
"If they do, it is the end of democracy because I am only speaking of facts."
Chelsea, who have an inferior goal difference, could have closed the gap to one point on United if they had won at Newcastle.
But with four games left for each team - and a meeting between the two at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate game of their Premiership campaigns on 9 May - Mourinho said he was satisfied with his team's position.
I'm not saying we deserved to win
Jose Mourinho
"It was a chance missed to close the gap," added the Blues boss.
"But at the same time we had an away game and Man United had a home game and at the end of it the gap between us is the same. I do not think it is a drama.
"The target has been for a long time to finish this period - we have three of our last four matches at home and Man United have three of their four away - in a condition to be champions."
Mourinho was full of praise for his players after their match at Newcastle - and admitted the Magpies deserved a draw.
"I cannot ask for more of my players," added the Blues boss. "I think that what they are doing is absolutely amazing.
"We played against a team with fresh legs and without any kind of pressure.
"I'm not saying we deserved to win. Over the 90 minutes Newcastle played well and deserved a point."
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