Former referee Mark Halsey has called for Jose Mourinho to be handed a six-game ban after his post-match confrontation with Anthony Taylor as his Roma side lost the Europa League final on penalties to Sevilla.
Video footage emerged of the Roma manager waiting for Taylor in the stadium car park after match to share his strong criticism of the Premier League referee's performance, labelling the officials as a disgrace. Mourinho also described the English referee as "Spanish" in his post-match press conference.
Taylor brandished 14 yellow cards, a record for a Europa League final, while almost a total of 30 minutes of stoppage time was played. He also ordered Gabriel Montiel's penalty in the shootout to be retaken after Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio had saved the initial effort but was deemed to be off his line, with the second being scored and subsequently securing the trophy for the Spanish outfit.
Advert
Additionally, Mourinho believed that Sevilla's Erik Lamela should have been sent off before the midfielder scored in the penalty shootout.
In his column with the Sun, Halsey strongly condoned the antics of Mourinho, writing: "The post-match actions from Roma boss Mourinho by following Prem ref Taylor and other match officials were out of order, but the volley of abuse was even worse. I have never seen that sort of appalling behaviour from a manager towards an official.
"Refs, like players, try to perform at the best of their ability and Taylor’s display was admirable under extreme pressure. In fact, I was proud of his performance because Wednesday’s final was evil and a no-win situation for the officials. Fourth official Michael Oliver had an impossible job due to the level of protests and appeals from both sides during an ugly 120 minutes.
Advert
"It reminded me of a Sunday league football match and the technical area became unmanageable. Both sides lost discipline and there were 16 yellow cards but the punishments were all deserved.
"I felt for Taylor — what else could he do? His only other course of action would have been to show several red cards."
Halsey added he feels that action must be taken by UEFA, stating: "Uefa needs to take the strongest action and Mourinho as well as Roma and Sevilla should now be charged for their appalling conduct and failing to control their players.
"I would deduct Sevilla and Roma three points from their next European campaigns with another three suspended for the rest of the group stage.
Advert
"And I would also ban Mourinho — wherever he goes — for six games because of his unacceptable conduct."
Since, videos have emerged on social media of Taylor and his family being attacked by Roma thugs at Budapest airport with the PGMOL releasing the following statement: "PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.
“We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final. We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & SportItaliaTopics: Jose Mourinho, Roma, Europa League, Sevilla