Jose Mourinho will not face further repercussions from the FA after being sent to the stands during Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Southampton at Saint Mary’s over the weekend.
The Portuguese, with his side holding on to a narrow advantage in injury time following Romelu Lukaku’s first half strike, was barking at his players to regain their defensive positions – Antonio Valencia specifically – and, in the midst of his touchline fracas, stepped a few inches over his technical area and slightly onto the pitch.
Referee Craig Pawson received a message in his earpiece from the fourth official and stopped play just as Southampton prepared to take one final corner before time was up, went over to Mourinho, and promptly asked him to spend the dying stages of the game away from the dugout. Saint Mary’s jeered as the 54-year-old shook the hands of those on the Southampton bench and promptly departed down the tunnel. The entire episode somewhat diffused the tension surrounding James Ward-Prowse’s potentially decisive corner and United escaped from the south coast with three points.
Mourinho is, of course, no stranger to disciplinary action from the FA. He has been handed one game bans for breaches of conduct against West Ham as both Chelsea boss and United boss in recent times, alongside incurring a ban for an incident during the 0-0 draw with Burnley last year.
Thankfully, however, the FA has decided to be lenient towards Mourinho for once and take no further action after deeming the transgression – whilst ostensibly a breach of FA rules – as a minor infringement.
