Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho launched a blistering attack on VAR referee Paolo Mazzoleni following Thursday’s contentious 0-0 Europa League draw against Lyon, accusing the official of conspiring against the Turkish giants in a match marred by controversial refereeing decisions.
Mourinho Alleges Anti-Fenerbahce Bias
The outspoken Portuguese tactician pulled no punches in his post-match comments, directly calling out Mazzoleni, a “very famous” referee in Italy, for what Mourinho perceived as blatant favoritism towards Lyon:
The VAR is there to help the referee when the referee makes a mistake and he didn’t call him, because if the referee goes to the screen he gives the red card. It was Mr. Paolo Mazzoleni, very famous in Italy by the way, that didn’t call the referee.
– Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce Manager
Kumbedi Escapes Red Card
Mourinho was incensed that Lyon defender Saël Kumbedi avoided being sent off on two separate occasions for harsh challenges on Fenerbahce midfielder Sebastian Szymański. Despite Kumbedi only receiving a yellow card for the first incident, VAR declined to intervene, much to Mourinho’s disbelief.
Niakhaté Red Card Overturned
VAR did spring into action just before halftime though, when Lyon’s Moussa Niakhaté was initially shown a straight red by referee Simone Sozza for a sliding tackle on Irfan Can Kahveci. Upon review, Sozza downgraded the punishment to a yellow card.
When the referee gave the red card to Niakhaté, Mr. Mazzoleni now decided to do his job well and he called the referee.
– Jose Mourinho
Qualification Hangs in the Balance
The stalemate leaves Fenerbahce sitting on 9 points with one match remaining in Group H, outside of the qualification spots. They face a tricky trip to Denmark to take on FC Midtjylland on January 30, knowing a positive result is imperative to keep their European dreams alive.
However, Mourinho bemoaned his side’s precarious position, highlighting the suspensions of key players like Sofyan Amrabat that will leave them shorthanded for the crucial clash:
We are in trouble at this moment to qualify. Nine points may or may not be enough. It’s still in our hands but right now in Europe, it’s difficult for us because we are short of players.
– Jose Mourinho
‘Toxic’ Turkish League
Never one to mince words, Mourinho also took aim at the overall refereeing standards in Turkey, branding the Super Lig as a “toxic” environment:
Imagine this team with Škriniar, Diego Carlos, Kostić, it’s a completely different team.
– Jose Mourinho on Fenerbahce’s January signings
The arrival of high-profile January reinforcements like Milan Škriniar, Diego Carlos, and Filip Kostić has Mourinho dreaming of what could be if Fenerbahce does manage to prolong their European adventure. For now though, the controversial draw leaves them in a precarious position, with Mourinho’s ire squarely directed at the officiating.
As the business end of the season approaches, Fenerbahce find themselves fighting on multiple fronts, with Mourinho’s men still in contention for the Turkish league title. However, their hopes of a deep Europa League run have been dealt a major blow, with the outspoken manager suggesting a grand conspiracy is afoot to deny his team their just rewards.
