Blues boss Jose Mourinho has apologised to referee Kevin Friend after wrongly criticising him for a penalty decision during Chelsea’s game against Watford in the FA Cup…
Jose Mourinho was furious with referee Kevin Friend for not awarding his side a second half penalty against Watford on Sunday, but after hearing the official’s side has issued a full apology, according to the Independent.
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Hornets defender Craig Cathcart handled the ball in the area during the second half of Chelsea’s FA Cup third round clash, blocking a shot by Diego Costa. The ball fell to Loic Remy, who smashed Jonathan Bond for the Blues’ second goal of the evening.
Mourinho was not satisfied with the goal however, instead criticising Friend’s refereeing. This rant came after the Portuguese boss lashed out at the media, claiming that his side were the victims of a “clear campaign”.
Friend revealed however, that the reason he hadn’t blown the whistle for a penalty was that Chelsea had the advantage; and had Remy failed to score then he would have pulled play back.
Mourinho made a public apology to the referee, realising his error and complimenting the officiating.
“I want to apologise for my earlier comments in some television (interviews). What the referee did was great refereeing,” he said.
“He saw that it was a penalty, he was going to give a penalty, but he saw the ball was going to Remy. And he waited a couple of seconds.
“He told me that if Remy didn’t control the ball well or the ball goes over the bar or the ball is lost, he would have given the penalty.
“I was complaining, but it was good refereeing by Kevin. I didn’t think it was a penalty, it was a penalty.”