Yesterday it was announced that Jose Mourinho, the coach of Real Madrid, has been suspended for two games, including a conditional one. This in response to the questionable yellow cards two of his players got in the last few minutes of the CL match against Ajax.
On TV could be seen that Mourinho called one of the players to come to him and tell him something with his hand covering his mouth. Probably he insisted on the ”capture” of a second yellow card in order, with
one group match still to play, to start the knockout phase without suspensions. I frankly thought it was a very smart action and I am wondering if it is written somewhere that it is not allowed. Besides, the match against Ajax was well won, Real had already qualified itself for the next round so the last group match did not matter at all.
UEFA has now decided that Mourinho will have to watch the next CL match from the stands and has also handed out quite a few steep fines. Thus, in addition to his suspension, Mourinho also has to pay € 40,000 and the other players involved have gotten pretty high fines as well. For me the question arises whether those heavy penalties are
justified. Was this a matter of seeing justice done or have a number of UEFA officials used their power inappropriately.
Sports and punishments, it is always a nasty combination and in one way or another, I often feel that it is more common here in Europe, than for example in Asia.
Next week we have a farewell dinner with our Korean coach Mr. Kim and I will, over a glass of beer, broach that subject.
Or…, better not because I might incur the risk to be suspended!