Mourinho Requests Personal Hearing against Misconduct Charge

The backlash from Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa continues to play out, as Blues boss Jose Mourinho fights back against the Football Association’s charges of misconduct. The Portuguese manager was sent to the stands after taking to the pitch in the aftermath of Ramires’ red card tackle in the dying stages of the match.

In his post match interview, Mourinho refused to speak directly about decisions that went against his side, instead he stressed the alleged inconsistency in his being dismissed. Specifically, he believed that he was one of many who became involved in the on-pitch scuffle surrounding Ramires’ challenge, and merely wished to ‘Speak with the referee for 5 seconds.’

Subsequently, the Football Association charged the manager with misconduct, and in response, Mourinho has decided to request a ‘personal hearing’ to defend himself. It’s hard to imagine that any other than a fine and a slap on the wrist will result from such an affair, but apparently Mourinho feels as though he has cause to contest the charges. Or perhaps he just wishes to avoid his appearing guilty by letting the charge stand uncontested.

Since returning to Stamford Bridge at the beginning of the season, Mourinho has had an instant impact, and this development occurs as Chelsea sit top of the Premier League, with Manchester City hoping to usurp first place honours by claiming full points from their remaining games in hand. This weekend Chelsea will travel to newly promoted Crystal Palace, and after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 last year, they will be expected to come home with a crucial 3 points. Unfortunately for Mourinho, he will be unable to rely on goals from in form striker Samuel Eto’o, as he will be available due to a hamstring injury sustained in last weekend’s game with Arsenal.