Ex-FIFA official announces ‘substantial’ ban for figure over Rangers v Fenerbahce comments
Ex-FIFA official announces ‘substantial’ ban for figure over Rangers v Fenerbahce comments
Jose Mourinho faces further pain on the back of seeing his Fenerbahce side eliminated from the Europa League by Rangers.
Fenerbahce won 2-0 in normal time at Ibrox on Thursday (13 March) to take the game to extra time and then penalties.
Derek Ferguson’s men were a million miles from the side that triumphed 3-1 in Turkey a week earlier, but Rangers scraped through to the quarter-finals thanks to Jack Butland’s penalty heroics.
Next up for the Gers is a two-legged tie with Athletic Bilbao, while Fenerbahce now only have domestic matters to focus on.
Mourinho furious with officials in Ibrox defeat
Mourinho congratulated Rangers on their victory after the match and was also seen clapping towards the home fans.
However, the Portuguese used his post-match press conference to make it clear he was not happy with the officials.
A number of big decisions went against Fenerbahce and Mourinho suggested there was some sort of UEFA conspiracy against his side.
Mourinho personally named the Video Assistant Referee and said both he and the referee “decided the game should go to penalties.”
As a result of those post-match scenes in which the ‘Special One’ called out those who oversaw the match, former FIFA official Keith Hackett would not be surprised to see severe action taken.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “The history of this manager showing disrespect towards match officials is not new.
“Sanctions of financial fines appear not to work because of his personal wealth. UEFA usually act decisively when match officials are criticised, so I expect a substantial stadium ban being imposed.
“This manager will then attempt to find ways around that. I remember him entering his teams dressing room during a previous ban by hiding in a laundry basket!“
Rangers to face Athletic Bilbao in Europa League quarter-finals
Ferguson’s side had to ride their luck at Ibrox, but this tie was ultimately won thanks to their performance out in Turkey a week earlier.
Rangers now have the small matter of an Old Firm derby against Celtic to come on Sunday (16 March), but there is no doubt where the focus is right now.
Ferguson will not let minds wander, of course, but every single Rangers fan is already thinking about that upcoming two-legged battle with Athletic.
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