Jose Mourinho was sent off during Benfica's 2-2 draw with Porto after a heated exchange with Porto assistant coach Lucho Gonzalez, who allegedly called him a 'traitor' multiple times. The incident occurred in the second half when Mourinho was deemed to have kicked a ball towards the away bench.
Mourinho, who led Porto to Champions League glory in 2004 before managing rivals Benfica, insisted after the match that Gonzalez had repeatedly insulted him. 'The FC Porto bench person called me a traitor 50 times in the tunnel. I'd like him to explain: traitor to what?' Mourinho said. He defended his professionalism, stating he gave his soul to Porto and every club he has managed.
The Special One also claimed his red card was unjust, explaining that he intended to kick the ball into the crowd as a celebration after Benfica's equaliser. 'I know I'm not very good technically, but it was meant for the stands,' he said, criticising the fourth official's performance.
Benfica scored twice in the final 20 minutes to salvage a point, with Leandro Barreiro netting the equaliser. Despite remaining unbeaten this year, Mourinho's side trail Porto by seven points in the Portuguese title race.
