Mourinho skips post‑match press conference after Real Madrid’s 1‑0 win to avoid possible suspension
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho deliberately avoided the mandatory post‑match press conference on Saturday night following the team's 1‑0 victory over Villarreal in La Liga’s eighth round. Club officials confirmed that Mourinho chose to stay away to prevent a disciplinary sanction that could see him suspended for the next league fixture.
The Bernabéu win, which keeps Real in the title race, was marred by a controversial VAR decision that saw Vinícius Júnior’s goal ruled out and the Brazilian subsequently shown a red card for allegedly pulling the hair of Valencia’s Nathan Saliba. The dismissal left Real with ten men for the final minutes and sparked an immediate outcry.
Vinícius, who believed he had scored, watched his celebration cut short as the referee consulted the video assistant referee. Replays showed the Brazilian making contact with Saliba’s hair, prompting the referee to issue a straight red. The decision has already been lodged for appeal by the club.
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni expressed the squad’s bewilderment on Real Madrid TV, saying, “In the end I don’t understand what’s happening with the referees, this red card, I don’t understand.” His comments underscored the players’ frustration with what they perceive as inconsistent officiating.
According to La Liga regulations, a manager who refuses to attend the post‑match briefing can be charged with a breach of protocol, a violation that typically carries a one‑match ban. Mourinho, aware of the looming clash against Sevilla and the upcoming Clasico on 25 October, opted for caution.
Sources close to the Portuguese coach indicated that he intended to address the VAR controversy publicly, but the risk of losing his place for the crucial Sevilla encounter outweighed the desire for a media showdown. The club’s legal team is reportedly preparing an appeal against Vinícius’s dismissal while also monitoring any potential sanction against Mourinho.
VAR drama changes Real Madrid's lead against Villarreal
If the disciplinary committee imposes a suspension, Real will have to rely on assistant coach Davide Ancelotti for the Sevilla match, a scenario that could affect preparations for the high‑stakes derby with Barcelona. The situation adds another layer of pressure on a squad already juggling a congested schedule.
The episode highlights the growing tension between top clubs, the media, and the governing bodies over refereeing standards and procedural compliance. As the season progresses, Real Madrid will need to navigate both on‑field challenges and off‑field controversies to maintain their pursuit of the league crown.