Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho should be handed six-game stadium ban according to ex-referee Graham Poll
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho must be penalised and handed a six-match stadium ban for kicking the bottling in the league draw against West Ham United, according to former referee Graham Poll. The incident took place in the 27th minute when the Red Devils' world-record signing Paul Pogba was booked by referee Jonathan Moss for diving.
It was the France international's fifth yellow card of the match, and that saw him miss the EFL Cup quarter-final clash against the Hammers on Wednesday evening.
However, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager was unhappy with Moss' decision to issue show a yellow card to the midfielder, which automatically suspends him from the next league tie.
Mourinho kicked the bottle of the water on the touchline, which happened in front of the fourth official. He then shared the information with Moss, who gave the marching order to United manager.
Poll, who has officiated Premier League matches in the past believes that the 20-time English champions should be severely punished and has urged the Football Association (FA) to hand him a six-match touchline ban.
"Jon Moss was absolutely right to send Jose Mourinho to the stands after another petulant outburst," Poll wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"The way Mourinho lost his temper, culminating in him booting a water bottle a long way down the touchline, is clear for all to see.
"The fact that Moss was also correct in the decision which appeared to incense the United boss — cautioning Paul Pogba for simulation — is irrelevant as respect needs to be shown irrespective of the accuracy of decisions.
"United fans may well say that referees are treating their manager more harshly than others, but for far too long his excesses were either ignored or tolerated.
"Referees have had enough of the clear lack of respect the Portuguese displays, none more so than Moss, who also dismissed him last season. So now referees are doing their jobs it’s time the FA did theirs. A six-game stadium ban might just do the trick."
It is not the first time Mourinho has been involved with the match official this season. He criticised match officials Anthony Taylor and Mark Clattenburg for their performances in the Red Devils' goalless draw against Liverpool and Burnley.
The FA did not let this go and penalised the United manager with £50,000 and also handed him a one-match touchline ban. He was forced to watch his side's match against Swansea City from the stands. Luckily for him, it ended in a 3-1 win for the Old Trafford club at the Liberty Stadium.
It should be seen whether Mourinho will serve another ban on the sidelines and should that happen, it will be a massive blow for United, who are struggling in the Premier League.
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