Fuming Jose Mourinho storms pitch and tries to get Sunderland player sent off during fiery pre-season clash with Roma
A FURIOUS Jose Mourinho stormed the pitch to try and get Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien sent off in a friendly.
Travelling Black Cats fans were stunned when the Roma boss charged on to the field in Portugal to remonstrate with the ref after a stray elbow from the midfielder.
O’Nien was already on a yellow card for a challenge which prompted the rest of Mourinho’s coaching staff to run on to the pitch.
He was subbed soon after the Portuguese’s outburst, with Roma winning 2-0 against the Championship side.
Sunderland manager Alex Neil said: “Luke was unfortunate.
“He went up for a header and caught the lad with his arm, which I didn’t think was meant. I thought it was a bit of an overreaction.
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“But the referee informed me that if we didn’t take him off, he would be sent off.”
Mourinho will be hoping for an improved campaign in Serie A after his Roma side could only manage sixth place last season.
However, they did enjoy European success as they claimed the inaugural Europa Conference League trophy, beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the final.
Mourinho has been linked with signing new players in the summer transfer window as he looks to bolster his squad.
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He has already acquired the services of former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic.
The Serbian left Old Trafford at the end of last season after his contract expired.
And Roma are also thought to be interested in signing Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira.
Torreira, 26, was far from happy after being ordered back to Arsenal’s pre-season training on Monday ahead of their flight to the USA, where they will take on Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea.
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Speaking about his future, the Uruguayan said: “There is a possibility with Roma. I spoke to Mourinho a while ago and I admire him as a coach. It’s an opportunity that tempts me a lot but it’s not easy.
“But there is no chance of staying at Arsenal. From the beginning they told me I did not have a place, so I don’t want to stay because I have suffered a lot.
“It cost me a lot to adapt and my idea now is to go to Italy or Spain.”