Mourinho’s angry reaction ‘totally justified’

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was “totally justified” in expressing his frustration at perceived Cardiff City time-wasting during the Blues’ 4-1 win at Stamford Bridge, assistant first-team coach Steve Holland insisted.

The Portuguese watched the final 20 minutes from the stand after referee Anthony Taylor took exception to his vociferous complaints.

Mourinho did not speak to the media after the game and Holland said the manager’s dismissal was “very harsh”.

“Jose’s frustration stemmed from the time-wasting from the opposition, basically from the first two or three minutes of the game,” Holland added.

“The fourth official assured us he and the referee were aware of the clear time-wasting but it certainly had no effect on the Cardiff players.

“At 2-1 to us, we had a throw-in right in front of the dugout. Branislav Ivanovic had the ball in his hands for two seconds – no more – and the referee was on to him about getting the ball back into play and pointing to his watch.

“It didn’t seem to run consistently with how that issue had been dealt with for the previous hour. Jose’s frustration was totally justified.”

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