Mourinho Charged by FA for pre-Liverpool Comments

Prior to the Liverpool-Manchester United Derby—a match that generally doesn’t need any additional narratives—the question of head referee Anthony Taylor’s allegiances became a matter of great concern for Liverpool fans. Although Taylor publicly supports National League North giants Altrincham FC, his greater Manchester birthplace raised some eyebrows on Merseyside.

Of course, Jose Mourinho doesn’t being upstaged for any reason whatsoever, so he wasn’t going to let this referee steal his spotlight. Instead, The Special One masterfully brought media attention back on himself by preemptively excusing any “difficult” decisions Taylor might have to make, adding that he “did not really want to say too much more on the matter. I have learned a lesson...by being punished so many times for my words about referees.”

Well, apparently Mourinho hasn’t learned his lesson, because he has been charged once again by the FA for improper conduct and bringing the game into disrepute because of these comments. He has until October 31 to dispute the charge, which will likely result in a fine. There is an outside possibility that the charge could result in a touchline ban, which might be considered merciful; his new club sits mired in 7th, 5 points off the pace for Champions League qualification and with a mere +1 goal differential.