Mourinho has cunning plan to avoid touchline ban on Chelsea return

Jose Mourinho looks set to take his place in the technical area on his return to Chelsea this weekend despite being charged by the FA.

The Manchester United boss is facing a touchline ban after being accused of using “abusive, insulting or improper” language in front TV cameras following his team’s win over Newcastle at Old Trafford on October 6.

However, if Mourinho leaves his response until Friday’s 6pm deadline, it is understood there would not be enough time to convene a disciplinary commission before Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at Stanford Bridge and the case will have to be dealt with the following week.

That will be a boost for the Portuguese tactician as he bids to build on the comeback win over the Magpies last time out, although he has suffered three successive defeats at the Bridge without scoring a goal since he took over at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016.

The FA used a language expert to interpret Mourinho’s remarks to the camera as he marched down the touchline following the Newcastle triumph and it is understood that he swore in his native Portuguese, as reported in the Daily Express.

Jose Mourinho TEAMtalk

Mourinho is at liberty to request a personal hearing but if he is found guilty by the three-man commission he could face a touchline suspension for United’s next domestic game – the home Premier League clash against Everton on October 28.

Alternatively he could be warned and/or fined, as his previous poor disciplinary record will not be taken into account because he has not been in trouble with the FA for over a year.

 

Fancy the best United news direct to your Facebook timeline? Like our dedicated Manchester Utd Facebook page.