UEFA has initiated disciplinary actions on Friday against AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho for employing offensive and derogatory language towards an official during the Europa League final. The 60-year-old coach received a yellow card from English referee Anthony Taylor during the heated final in Budapest on Wednesday, where Sevilla emerged victorious on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
In his post-match press conference, Mourinho openly criticized Taylor, and a video later emerged of him in the stadium car park, launching a profanity-laden tirade and labeling the referee a “disgrace.”
Additionally, both AS Roma and Sevilla face charges regarding the behavior of their respective supporters and players.
Both Sevilla and AS Roma have received charges for various offenses, including throwing objects, lighting fireworks, and displaying improper conduct by their teams.
Sevilla faces an additional charge for a field invasion, whereas Roma has been charged not only with acts of damage but also for causing disturbances in the crowd.
Referee Anthony Taylor issued a total of 13 yellow cards during the highly contentious match, with seven of them being shown to Roma players. The game was marred by numerous fouls, leading to frequent delays in play.
Following the match, enraged Roma supporters specifically targeted English referee Anthony Taylor at Budapest Airport. The situation escalated to the point where Taylor and his family had to be escorted by airport security from a cafe to a secure area.
An Italian individual has been charged with affray in connection with the disturbing altercation.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), representing referees, expressed their profound dismay at the unwarranted and repugnant abuse aimed at Anthony Taylor and his family as they were attempting to return home after officiating the UEFA Europa League final.
Sevilla’s victory marked their seventh triumph in the Europa League, while the defeat in the final represented the first European final loss in Jose Mourinho’s managerial career.
