Mourinho lauds Clattenburg as ‘best referee’ despite stonewall penalty claims in Manchester Derby

We have either transcended into an alternate football universe or foul-tongued, outspoken referee critic/manager Jose Mourinho has really changed his ways. Perhaps this is instead a clear-cut case of Invasion of the body snatchers?

Mourinho is infamous for tearing strips off of match officials for their howlers; but instead he stopped short of that after Saturday’s 2-1 Manchester-Derby loss. Pinch yourself and apply some more turtle wax Howard Webb and take the day referee body PMGOL because Jose’s criticism of Mark Clattenburg was respectful and almost gentlemanly following his team’s defeat against their arch rivals. Its doubtful he will receive a suspension or fine for his post-match comments because of his surprise diplomacy. So What gives? Here is what Mourinho said:

“We are very disappointed with the result, but I am very disappointed with two decisions of Mark. It was a penalty and a red card for Bravo. For sure outside the box it is a free-kick and a red card. Inside the box it has to be the same, but obviously even the best referees make mistakes.” ~Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho

Maybe it was just some intentional tongue-in-cheek, back-handed sarcasm about Clattenburg. You couldn’t blame Jose for being upset, since it Bravo’s late challenge clattered the United skipper well after the ball had left and knocked him to the ground. Clattenburg waved play on despite the disbelief and protests from Rooney. This is where the break with tradition occurred and left us scratching our heads and Rooney his sad excuse for a wig.

Instead of lashing out as he his done so many times in the past Mourinho kept his cool and bit his tongue in the post-match comments.

We wonder if you are taking notes Brendan Rogers, Gary Monk, Sam Allardyce, Mark Hughes, Alan Pardrew, John Carver, et all potty mouth skippers?

Regardless of the sugar-coated response Clattenburg is only trailing Mike Dean by a few votes in our poll for worst EPL referee. Cast your vote below and share this page with your fiends: