Mourinho criticizes VAR as the 'man of the match'

Posted : 04 November 2024

Fenerbahce's coach, Jose Mourinho, expressed his frustration with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following several contentious calls that impacted his team's performance during their 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor in the Super Lig on Sunday. He noted that the VAR, once an unseen presence during matches, has now become a focal point of controversy due to its significant influence on the game.

In the second half, Trabzonspor was awarded two penalties thanks to VAR interventions, which intensified the tension on the pitch. The game was tied at 2-2 when Mourinho became particularly irate over a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel that went unpunished, prompting him to question the referee's attentiveness. He sarcastically suggested that VAR official Atilla Karaoglan was preoccupied with drinking coffee at the time of the incident.

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Despite the late-game challenges, Fenerbahce secured a dramatic victory when Sofyan Amrabat scored deep into stoppage time. Mourinho's excitement was palpable as he celebrated the goal with a knee slide onto the pitch, a display of his relief and joy at the outcome.

Speaking to beIN Sports Turkiye, Mourinho didn't hold back his criticism of Karaoglan, labeling him as the "man of the match" for the wrong reasons. He remarked, “The referee was just a little boy that was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan, so man of the match,” indicating that the officiating left much to be desired.

Mourinho continued to express his discontent, suggesting that Karaoglan should never officiate another Fenerbahce match. He questioned the official’s judgment, especially regarding a missed red card for a Trabzonspor player and the decisions that led to the penalties awarded to the home team.

The coach pointed out the discrepancies in Karaoglan's decisions, stating, “He was alert to give the two penalty decisions (to Trabzonspor) when the referee didn't give, then was having Turkish tea when it was a clear penalty for us and didn't give it.” His remarks highlighted a perceived inconsistency in the application of the rules during the match.

Mourinho concluded by asserting that his views resonated with Fenerbahce fans, declaring, “I think I am speaking on behalf of every Fenerbahce fan, we don't want him again.” His comments underscore the tension surrounding VAR decisions and the significant role they play in shaping match outcomes in the Super Lig.

Mourinho criticizes VAR as the 'man of the match'

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