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Football

20th Oct 2018

José Mourinho explains what happened between him and Maurizio Sarri after touchline fracas

Reuben Pinder

José Mourinho did not take kindly to Chelsea’s celebrations

Manchester United vs Chelsea was tainted (improved) by unsavoury (incredible) scenes on the touchline after Ross Barkley’s late equaliser sparked jubilant celebrations at Stamford Bridge.

Marco Ianni, a member of Maurizio Sarri’s coaching staff, got slightly carried away as he ran past Manchester United’s dugout, appearing to provoke José Mourinho.

Mourinho then jumped up from his chair and chased Ianni down the tunnel. The pair were held apart and the tempers eventually settled.

Speaking after the match in his post-match interview, José Mourinho said he had received an apology from unsporting Ianni for his actions.

“I’m not annoyed with anything,” said Mourinho. “Sarri said he would solve the problem with his assistant internally and he then came to me and apologised and I said if he really meant it then okay, I accept.”

Sarri too was asked to comment on the incident. Reluctantly, Sarri explained that “I spoke with José. I have spoken with my member of staff. I thnik we were on the wrong side [of the fight]. I have dealt with this.”

When he was pushed for more detail, he explained that it was a private matter but confirmed that he was “not really happy”.