UEFA have charged Roma manager Jose Mourinho over his explicit criticism of referee Anthony Taylor in the aftermath of the Europa League final.
Mourinho’s Roma fell to Sevilla on penalties in the final, after which he took aim at Taylor’s officiating of the game. Mourinho claimed the referee ‘seemed Spanish’ after the game and later shouted at Taylor in the car park, labelling his performance a ‘f**king disgrace’.
As Taylor returned home from the game, he was subjected to verbal abuse from Roma supporters at the airport, with the fans berating Taylor as he attempted to lead his family away from the crowds. Drinks were thrown by the crowd and one supporter also sent a table flying in the referee’s direction.
In what is likely to be the first of many disciplinary proceedings as a result of the incident, UEFA have now charged Mourinho for his use of ‘insulting or abusive’ language towards Taylor.
Referee body PGMOL spoke out in support of Taylor after the airport video emerged on social media, stating: “[We are] aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.
“We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the Uefa Europa League final. We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.”
Roma have also been hit with a further five charges, four of which concern the behaviour of supporters during the game. The Serie A side have also been accused of ‘improper conduct’ after being shown seven yellow cards.
As for Sevilla, four charges have been brought against the Spaniards. Alongside three fan accusations, Sevilla have also been written up by UEFA after they racked up six yellows of their own.