In the 25th round of the Primeira Liga Clássico, Benfica drew 2-2 with Porto in stoppage time. José Mourinho was sent off in the 90th minute and spoke about his dismissal at the post-match press conference.
Mourinho said: “I didn’t see the final goal. I was already off the bench and had no chance to watch it back on TV. I didn’t want to make the same mistake as last week, when I shouted for a penalty that wasn’t actually a penalty. I want to talk about two separate things: one about the match itself, and the other about my red card.”
“Regarding the red card, I want to clarify two points. The referee said he sent me off because I kicked the ball towards the Porto bench — that is completely false. I can’t remember if it was three, four or five times, but I’ve done the same at the Estádio da Luz before. Whether after we scored or just kicking the ball into the stands, it’s a way for me to celebrate and give the ball to a lucky fan. I know my technique isn’t great, but I definitely kicked the ball towards the stands.”
“Another thing about the red card: someone from the Porto bench was also sent off, and later in the tunnel he called me a ‘traitor’ around 50 times. I want him to explain: what did I betray? I played for Porto and gave absolutely everything for them. Then I went to Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe, all over the world — everywhere I went, I gave my absolute all, 100% committed. That is what professionalism is.”
“It’s normal for fans to shout — that’s part of football. Many of these fans bowed down to me in the streets a few years ago, now they insult me. I can accept that. But a fellow professional calling me a traitor? What did I betray? Because I’m giving everything for Benfica? Even if I leave Benfica tomorrow and go to clubs like Amarante, Leiria or Moreirense, I would have the exact same attitude. What exactly did I betray? I am extremely unhappy about this.”
“I was sent off completely unfairly. The fourth official had a terrible performance all game.”
When asked again about the incident, Mourinho named the person who called him a traitor: “It was Lucho González. And he didn’t say it once — he said it 20 or 30 times. When he moved to Marseille back in the day, was he a traitor too? Betrayed what? He could have criticised me in a way I could accept, but I feel his words attacked my professional integrity, which I value more than anything. We always give everything on the pitch, and yet he said that. I’m disappointed, because he’s a professional in football just like me, and has also managed different clubs. I really don’t understand where the word ‘traitor’ comes from.”
