This evening's Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla was always likely to be a cagey affair.
European deciders rarely turn out to be a classic, with the two sides involved usually conservative in their approach and not wanting to make any mistakes. Of course, that would only be multiplied to the nth degree when one of the teams involved is managed by Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese boss was always likely to bring a bit of added spice to the occasion, although some quickly grew tired of the antics from him and his team once the game kicked.
Viewers put off by Mourinho & Roma antics in Europa League final
It quickly became apparent that this was not going to be a swashbuckling affair.
The game was a difficult one to watch at times, with neither side doing much in terms of creating chances. Not only that, but the two teams seemed intent in making it as unwatchable as possible with their antics on the pitch.
It's fair to say that both sets of players 'went down easily' throughout the game, attempting to buy cheap free-kicks or penalties from English referee Anthony Taylor. When things didn't go their way, they weren't afraid to share their thoughts with the officials.
Roma, in particular, crossed the line on a number of occasions. Their players consistently swarmed the referee to argue every small decision, while members of their coaching staff had to be warned to calm down on a number of occasions.
The penalty awarded to Sevilla, which was later overturned, was a prime example of their poor behaviour.
Here's the penalty incident in Budapest. 🔬
Originally given for a foul on Lucas Ocampos but Anthony Taylor reversed the decision after a VAR review. #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/OJk0xpTCxF— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 31, 2023
While the decision was indeed wrong on this occasion, this was just one example of a number of near identical incidents.
Now Roma are calling for a penalty for handball. 🧐#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/mFoPEW3M7f
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 31, 2023
It was quite poor on their part, with those watching the game certainly put off by their antics.
The behaviour and constant swarming and harassment of the ref from Roma players tonight has been disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/qp1CIh60NA
— Mark Pougatch (@markpougatch) May 31, 2023
One calm day for Jose Mourinho.
That's all refs ask.
Will never happen.#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/Nj1EQocYWh— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 31, 2023
Behaviour of Mourinho his staff and his players is nothing short of disgraceful!!
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) May 31, 2023
Fourth official now man-marking Mourinho in the technical area
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) May 31, 2023
Almost the entire Roma coaching staff have been shown a yellow card. This is Mourinho heritage. #UELfinal
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) May 31, 2023
This ref has lost the game already, both teams crying for every foul yet Roma players getting booked
— Eliut Morales (@Morales_14) May 31, 2023
Roma getting the freekick and 16 Roma - players / staff jumping at the referees…#intense
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) May 31, 2023
VAR doing its job but the Roma players who harassed the referee should still have been booked #UELfinal
— Andrew Ryan (@Andrew_Ryan19) May 31, 2023
Roma players are just so weird. Always shouting on ref face. #SevillaRoma
— Ritesh (@FootballRitesh) May 31, 2023
The referees dealing quite well with all the nonsense from these teams tbf. I’m actually surprised mourinho has only had 5 yellows this season 😅
— Stefan Brown (@StefanBrown4) May 31, 2023
Why are these two football teams and one manager trying to referee this game. Pathetic. Mourinho is, as always. A disgrace.
— JuLIAR Heartless-Sewer (@ShirtsDavid) May 31, 2023
All the ridicolous responses on a referee decision, Mourinho and the whole bench jumping and shouting like a murder took place… 🤪🤪🫣 #respect #ridicolous #SEVROM
— Jscheu (@Jscheu2) May 31, 2023
Roma and Sevilla players and staff tonight. Poor Anthony Taylor #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/hC1Yn3h245
— Danny Jamieson (@DannyJamieson) May 31, 2023
This all comes with the territory when Jose Mourinho is involved, with his players certainly buying into the siege mentality that he attempts to instil in every group he is part of.
That doesn't make it any easier to watch from a neutral perspective.
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