Compare football odds from over 25 bookmakers and claim £500+ in Free Bets. Click here for offer!
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes his team’s defence of their Premiership title is being hindered by decisions favouring rivals Manchester United.
Speaking after his team’s goalless draw at Newcastle, Mourinho claimed Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty, while suggesting that Middlesbrough had been denied a clear penalty against United on Saturday.
“The circumstances are difficult for us with the new football rules that we have to face,” said Mourinho.
“It is not possible to have a penalty against Manchester United.”
Middlesbrough’s Lee Dong-Gook appeared to be fouled by John O’Shea in the final minute of their 1-1 draw with United at Old Trafford – but the referee waved play on.
Mourinho felt that his Chelsea team should have been awarded a penalty at Newcastle for a foul by Stephen Carr.
“It is not possible to have a penalty in favour of Chelsea,” added Mourinho.
“We should have had a penalty, involving Stephen Carr, it was a clear penalty.
“I have the right to speak. I think nobody can punish me because I speak the truth and I am not saying the referees are not honest.
“But yesterday was a penalty and today was a penalty – and if somebody wants to punish me for that it means the end of democracy and we go back to old times.”
Chelsea would have closed the gap to one point on United if they had won at Newcastle, but the goalless draw means that United retained their three-point advantage.
“It was a chance missed to close the gap,” added the Blues boss.
“But at the same time we had an away game and Man United had a home game and at the end of it the gap between us is the same. I do not think it is a drama.
“The target has been for a long time to finish this period – we have three of our last four matches at home and Man United have three of their four away – in a condition to be champions.”
“I cannot ask for more of my players. I think that what they are doing is absolutely amazing.
“We played against a team with fresh legs and without any kind of pressure.
“I’m not saying we deserved to win. Over the 90 minutes Newcastle played well and deserved a point.”
Compare football odds from over 25 bookmakers and claim £500+ in Free Bets. Click here for offer!
