José Mourinho hits back after 'traitor' taunt in heated Benfica vs Porto clash
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The fiery encounter at the end of the match descended into chaos as Benfica staged a late comeback and tempers flared on the touchline.
Key takeaways
- Mourinho sent off after heated touchline clash in Benfica's 2-2 draw with Porto.
- Benfica staged comeback from 2–0 down, with Barreiro scoring 88th-minute equaliser.
- Mourinho says Porto assistant Lucho González called him a "traitor" repeatedly.
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Benfica appeared headed for defeat after falling 2-0 behind against Porto, but the visitors produced a spirited response in the closing stages.Substitute Leandro Barreiro scored the equaliser in the 88th minute, completing a dramatic comeback that stunned the home crowd and ignited tension on the sidelines.
The late goal triggered confrontations between coaching staff from both teams.
Mourinho was shown a red card after appearing to clash with members of Porto's technical area.
Porto assistant coach and former Argentina midfielder González was also dismissed by the referee.
Mourinho responds to 'traitor' accusation
Speaking after the match, Mourinho confirmed he had a confrontation with González and strongly criticised the alleged remarks.He called me a traitor 50 times in the tunnel.The 63-year-old questioned why such an accusation would be directed at him, given his professional career across multiple clubs.
I'd like him to explain to me, a traitor to what?Mourinho emphasised that criticism from supporters is part of football but believes such language from a fellow professional crosses a line.
I went to Porto, I gave my soul to Porto, I went to Chelsea, I went to Inter [Milan], to Real Madrid, I travelled around the world and gave 24 hours of my life every day, gave my life, my soul.
That's what professionalism is about.
Insults from the fans are one thing. But a fellow professional calling me a traitor, why? A traitor to what? Giving everything to Benfica? A traitor to what? I didn't like it.
Mourinho's historic Porto legacy
The accusation carries particular weight given Mourinho's legendary status at Porto.During his 2002-2004 spell, he led the club to six trophies, including:
- The UEFA Cup (2002/03)
- The UEFA Champions League (2003/04)
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Shop Featured Deals (Fast Checkout)Return to Portugal
Mourinho returned to Portuguese football in September, taking charge of Benfica, one of Porto's fiercest rivals.The move came shortly after he was dismissed by Turkish club Fenerbahçe, marking a significant chapter in his managerial career as he returned to the club where he began coaching in 2000.
With tensions already high between the two historic rivals, the latest confrontation is likely to add further fuel to one of Portuguese football's most intense rivalries.
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