Chelsea v Aston Villa @ Stamford Bridge
Saturday October 16 @ 3pm
Jose Mourinho came out swinging last night as he branded his latest fine a “disgrace” and called on the media to hold the Football Association to account.
Mourinho was given a £50,000 fine for comments made after Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Southampton two weeks ago and will have to be on his best behaviour for their game against Aston Villa tomorrow.
The 52-year-old has also been given a suspended one-match stadium ban, as the FA start to run out of ways to contain the outspoken manager.
Speaking to the BBC last night, he said: “£50,000 is a disgrace. The possibility of getting a stadium ban is astonishing.
“I’m happy I don’t have an electronic tag.”
Mourinho also took the opportunity to snipe at league rival Arsène Wenger, who he feels has been afforded special treatment form the FA.
He cited Wenger’s comments after Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea last month, where Wenger referred to referee Mike Dean as “weak” and “naive”, but evaded punishment.
This is not the first time Wenger has perceivably escaped retribution, having faced no action after pushing Mourinho in a clash at Stamford Bridge last October.
Mourinho added: “Afraid costs £50,000. Weak and naive – you can do it.
“We can push people in the technical area. We can, no problem.”
The comments come after reports he could face a mutiny from within his own dressing room, with senior players said to be frustrated with his recent outbursts and the loss of former club doctor Eva Carneiro.
England international Gary Cahill though has come out and voiced his support for Mourinho, but the Blues boss would rather his players spent their time getting their season back-on-track rather than defending him.
That will start tomorrow against Villa, Diego Costa is back from his three-match ban and is expected to start, while Branislav Ivanovic misses out due to a hamstring injury sustained on international duty.
Villa are without Gabby Agbonlahor and Ciaran Clark but Adama Traore returns with Carlos Sanchez facing a late fitness test.
Feature image courtesy of Chelsea TV, via Youtube, with thanks
