As expected, José Mourinho was sent off for arguing with the referee during Real Madrid’s Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match against Benfica.
The match was marred by unfortunate events after Vinicius accused a Benfica player of racially abusing him, leading to a stoppage in play.
Players resumed in the 60th minute, and in the 84th minute, Vinicius made a reckless challenge on Benfica captain Nicolás Otamendi, which greatly angered Mourinho.
The Special One, as usual, began shouting at the fourth official and continued to protest, demanding VAR intervention and Vinicius’s dismissal.
Ultimately, VAR upheld the referee’s decision, and the on-field referee, unable to tolerate Mourinho’s outburst, showed him the red card.
Thus, Mourinho will not return to the Santiago Bernabéu bench, as he will be suspended according to UEFA rules and will only be able to attend the second leg from the stands.
Depending on the referee’s report, Mourinho’s suspension could be extended to include a ban from entering the dressing room before the match if he directs any insults or oversteps the bounds of propriety.
