Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been hit with a five-match ban in the fallout following his side’s Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona.
Real lost 3-1 on aggregate to Pep Guardiola’s side, with the damage being done in the first leg, after which the Portuguese uttered a long conspiracy theory-based rant on how he believes certain non-playing elements have made it ‘impossible’ to beat Barca.
The rant, which came after he was sent to the stands after his vocal outburst against the sending-off of his player Pepe, has landed him with the suspension, one game of which has been suspended and one of which he has already served in the return leg in Barcelona this week.
Barca complained about Mourinho’s actions to Uefa, with Europe’s football governing body already having levelled a charge against him and on Friday a Uefa statement read: “Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed from the bench in the first leg and made an inappropriate statement at the post-match interview, has been suspended for the next five Uefa club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible.
“The suspension includes the one-match ban for the match following the coach's dismissal, which was served for the return leg in Barcelona on Tuesday. The fifth match is suspended for a probationary period of three years. Mourinho has also been fined €50,000.”
Mourinho was not the only individual to come under Uefa’s wrath, with both clubs of course having had players red carded at the Bernabeu.
The statement added: “Madrid defender Pepe, who was sent off in the first leg, has been suspended for one UEFA competition match. However, as he did not take part in the second leg in Barcelona, he is considered to have served this suspension.
“Real Madrid have also been fined €20,000 for the improper conduct of their supporters.
“Meanwhile FC Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto, who received a red card in the first leg match in Madrid, is suspended for three Uefa competition matches, and having already served a one-match ban for the return leg, will now also be suspended for the Uefa Champions League final (against Manchester United) on May 28 and the next Uefa club competition match for which he is eligible.”
Those punished have three days to appeal the Uefa decisions.