Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, has criticized referee Sergio Guelho following his team’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Rio Ave on Tuesday night.
Mourinho, known for his fiery personality, was clearly upset after Benfica conceded a late equaliser in injury time, costing them two valuable points in the league race.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss did not hide his frustration, blaming the referee for what he called an unfair result.
“We scored a goal. If this is the new football, when goals are ruled out because a small toe steps on another small toe, I don’t like this new football,” Mourinho said.
Benfica had a goal disallowed at 0-0 which Mourinho believed should have stood. He suggested that the referee made a poor call that changed the momentum of the game.
“But that’s the way it is, so we have to accept it. We kept trying and finally got the goal, but we conceded when we can’t concede. It’s tremendously unfair and an awful result for us,” he added.
Benfica had taken the lead in the second half after constant pressure but allowed Rio Ave to equalise in stoppage time, a result that could hurt their title ambitions.
Mourinho was particularly harsh on the referee’s performance, accusing him of allowing Rio Ave to dictate the pace of the game through time-wasting and disruption.
“It was the game that Rio Ave wanted and which the referee allowed,” Mourinho said.
He also questioned the character of referee Sergio Guelho, delivering a strong personal criticism:
“He has no personality.”
Benfica fans have also taken to social media to express anger at the officiating, supporting Mourinho’s call for improved refereeing standards.
The draw leaves Benfica in a more difficult position in the league, as they continue to chase top rivals in a tight title race.
Mourinho, who returned to Portugal after spells in England, Italy, and Spain, is under pressure to deliver silverware and is not hiding his disappointment with results like this.
