AS Roma's head coach, Jose Mourinho, has once again directed criticism towards British referee Anthony Taylor, who officiated over Roma's defeat in the Europa League final against Sevilla.
Mourinho revisited his experience with Anthony Taylor while reflecting on pivotal matches in his managerial career. During an interview with Sky Italia, he hinted at wanting to say more but feared a potential 10-match ban if he did so.
"Winning the Europa League with Manchester United was a normal feeling for me. Roma-Sevilla... if I say what I think, I will get banned for ten games," Mourinho declared.
"Roma-Feyenoord [In the Europa Conference League], but I could also mention the match against Leicester. I've never shed tears on the pitch after a loss. Sometimes, I cry after a win, and these two games are historic for Roma."
The contentious match led to Taylor facing harassment from Roma fans at the airport upon his return home after the final.
During the final, which Sevilla won on penalties, the English referee issued a staggering 13 yellow cards. This defeat prevented Mourinho from achieving the distinction of becoming the first manager to win the Europa League with three different clubs.
Mourinho himself faced consequences for his behavior towards Anthony Taylor after the Europa League final. He was handed a four-match ban for his actions, frequently targeting referee Anthony Taylor and even confronting him in the stadium car park following Roma's defeat to Sevilla.
In a recorded incident, Mourinho confronted the referee in the car park of the Puskas Arena, labeling him a "f*cking disgrace." As a result, he was charged with using insulting or abusive language, a charge he was ultimately found guilty of. Subsequently, he withdrew his membership from the UEFA football board, a decision linked to the body's chief of football, Zvonimir Boban, and former referee Roberto Rosetti.
