Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho, has lashed out at match officials, after they were beaten 2-1 at Arsenal on Sunday.
Mourinho, speaking after the game, claimed it was “a pity” referees did not face post-match interview scrutiny over their decisions.
The Spurs boss was left less than impressed by referee Michael Oliver and the VAR with their call for Alexandre Lacazette’s winning penalty, after Davinson Sanchez was ruled to have fouled the Arsenal forward.
“No post-match interviews for referees? That is a pity,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“We played really bad in the first half. The 1-1 was not a fair reflection of the first half. We were poor.
“In the second half, we only had space to improve which we did. [But] then it is a question – but an impossible one as they don’t speak – for the referee Michael Oliver to answer. Probably Paul Tierney too as he was the VAR [as to why they gave the penalty].
“The game was under control in the second half so we recovered. We made changes to try and win, [but] then it is a penalty and after that a second yellow for Lamela.
“What I see from the bench is just a feeling at first. I am 40 to 50 metres away. I saw it on the iPad. Referees have a difficult job sometimes. I did not complain but when I watch back on the iPad it is what it is.
“If somebody has a different opinion [to me], it has to be one of the big Arsenal fans with a season ticket. It is the only one I accept as it is the passion speaking. Other than that I don’t accept a different view as it is obvious.
Alexandre Lacazette Davinson Sanchez Arsenal vs Tottenham Premier League 2020-21
“If the players don’t do better it is because they can’t do better. I belong to the team so I am as guilty for the first half as the players but the best thing is we improve in the second half.
“Players get tired, coaches get tired, maybe referees get tired too. My record with Michael Oliver on penalties with Chelsea, United and Tottenham is unlucky.”
