Jose Mourinho facing stadium ban: FA consider throwing the book at Manchester United boss

JOSE MOURINHO is facing a stadium ban for the second time in two seasons as the FA consider throwing the book at the controversial Manchester United boss.

By Mike Whalley                                 

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is facing a stadium ban

And due to his past record the ban could be for two games this time – meaning Mourinho would be told to stay away from United’s away trip to Swansea on Sunday and the home game with Arsenal on November 19.

Mourinho was involved in the latest of a long series of bust-ups with referees when he was sent to the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Burnley.

The United manager was furious at Clattenburg’s refusal to give a penalty shortly before half-time, believing Burnley left-back Jon Flanagan had tripped Matteo Darmian inside the area.

Mourinho is already facing an improper conduct charge for comments made about referee Anthony Taylor before the goalless draw at Liverpool two weeks ago.

Jose Mourinho walks up the stands after being sent off

Now FA bosses must decide whether the latest controversy should bring a repeat of the stadium ban he was handed while at Chelsea last season.

Mourinho had to watch Chelsea’s defeat at Stoke last November from the team hotel, having been barred from attending the match after confronting referee Jon Moss during a game at West Ham.

An independent commission opted for that sanction because they felt the £40,000 fine they also handed out was not enough of a deterrent.

He narrowly escaped another stadium ban for claiming referees were afraid to award Chelsea penalties following last October’s home defeat by Southampton.

Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands during Man United's draw with Burnley

For that offence, Mourinho was given a separate ban – but the punishment was suspended for 12 months.

He had only just passed the end of that period when he was charged for his recent comments about Taylor, escaping a second automatic stadium ban by just eight days.

But with the FA determined to bring him into line then Mourinho could still be facing a two-game shut-out.

He has until 6pm today to respond to the charge relating to his comments on Taylor.

By then, the FA will have had time to digest Clattenburg’s report and decide on a second misconduct charge.

Mourinho’s team, who have failed to score in their last three Premier League games, are eight points behind leaders Manchester City.

They have slumped to eighth place after winning just one of their last seven league games, and have just 15 points from their opening 10 matches.

Only once in Premier League history have they chalked up fewer points by this stage of the season – under Louis van Gaal two years ago.
dailystar.co.uk