Chelsea vs Manchester United: Jose Mourinho in heated touchline bust-up after Ross Barkley's late equaliser
The United boss was enraged by the Chelsea bench's celebrations following Barkley's goal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho was involved in a heated touchline bust-up following Ross Barkley‘s late equaliser in the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Manchester United.
The visitors had looked on course for a much-needed victory at Stamford Bridge but Barkley’s late intervention, hitting home from close range in the 96th minute, saw the spoils shared.
The Chelsea bench subsequently erupted in celebration, with Marco Ianni, one of Maurizio Sarri’s backroom staff, seen to be goading Mourinho as he rushed onto the pitch.
The celebrations piqued the anger of the United boss, who quickly rose from his seat and appeared to rush in the direction of the assistant coach after he had returned to the dug-out.
Mourinho was stopped from confronting Ianni before a number of staff members and players from both sides sought to break up the ensuing fracas.
Mourinho embraced Sarri after tensions had subsided but, following the final whistle, the Portuguese was seen holding up three fingers to the crowds as he headed down the tunnel.
When asked after the match what happened, Mourinho said: ”Oh come on, I can tell you that 97 minutes of the game was so good that you have to focus on that.
“I did not get respect back from Chelsea [fans] but that is not my responsibility. What I did here today I will do in Madrid, in Milan, in Porto, the reaction from the fans is not up to me.
“I am not annoyed with anything. What happened with Sarri’s assistant, Sarri was the first one to come to me and say he will resolve it. The assistant has already come to me and apologised, I told him to forget it. I have made a lot of mistakes in my career.”
Addressing the touchline incident, Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea’s first goalscorer, said: “I don’t know [what happened] I just saw the benches standing up and it was like a fight and speaking.
“It’s emotions, it’s football. I didn’t see everything and it continued on the pitch but that’s emotion. It’s OK, at the end of the day we shake hands.”
Sarri refused to get drawn into the incident but said he is not pleased with what happened. "It's private," he said. "I am not very happy, I have said before. I have spoken with Jose and understand the other side of the situation."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments