José Mourinho has vigorously denied the Football Association charge of using offensive language at the end of Manchester United’s win against Newcastle United this month.
The manager had until 6pm on Wednesday to lodge an appeal to the count that he used language which was “abusive and/or insulting and/or improper”. It is understood he has decided to contest the count in the strongest possible fashion. While it is not clear what grounds on which the 55-year-old will do so, his case may include the contention that swearing is a common occurrence in and around the field of play, and that he is alleged to have used his native Portuguese.
Mourinho made the comments directly to the touchline camera that focuses on managers as soon as a match ends. At the close of the 3-2 victory against Newcastle on 6 October, he allegedly said: “Fuck off sons of bitches,” while wagging his little finger.
Meanwhile, United are reviewing their options for matchday travel following the late arrival of the team coach because of traffic congestion for the home defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.
United may also be fined after Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings following two pitch invasions during the 1-0 defeat.
United were late for the previous Group H match with Valencia after traffic problems, causing the game to kick off five minutes later than scheduled. Before that match they stayed at the squad’s usual pre‑game hotel, the Lowry in Salford, which is just under three miles away. The late arrival caused the club to switch to the Hilton Garden Hotel at Old Trafford cricket ground for the game on Tuesday.
Yet while the Hilton is less than half a mile from United’s stadium the coach still took around 55 minutes to arrive, having left at 6.15pm. Mourinho opted to leave the vehicle and walk the final part of the journey to the ground. The Juventus game was not subject to a major delay but did kick off two minutes late.
Greater Manchester police are unable to offer United an escort as the force would then be compelled do so for every other team. There are roadworks around Old Trafford and once these are over the problem of heavy traffic may be eased.
United will also review their security protocols after the pitch invasions. One person entered the field during the first half of the defeat, and at the end of the match two people ran on to the pitch.
Uefa announced on Wednesday that it had opened disciplinary proceedings under article 16 of its regulations, which focuses on order and security.
