In an announcement that speaks volumes about what a terrible decision in the first place, Jose Mourinho will face no further action from the Football Association following his sending-off against Southampton on Saturday.
The Manchester United boss was sent to the stands by referee Craig Pawson for encroaching on the pitch during stoppage time of his side’s 1-0 win at St Mary’s.
The incident occurred deep into injury-time, as United frantically sought to defend their one-goal lead, Mourinho became increasingly animated as he directed his team into shape.
A minute before the final whistle, he took half a step on to the pitch as he ordered his players back into their own half and also appeared to accidentally collide with fourth official Mike Jones.
It is, however, understood that Mourinho was not abusive to the officials in any way during the episode and did not confront them after the game.
Referee Pawson felt he had no choice, however, but to send off Mourinho once he was alerted to the encroachment by his fourth official Jones.
The FA, in this instance, awaited referee Pawson’s report reflecting on the match before proceeding with any action. The FA are not duty bound to follow up a dismissal with a charge and if the official is favourable to the manager’s conduct in the report, he can expect to escape charges.
Mourinho received two one-match touchline bans last season for kicking a water bottle in frustration in a home draw against West Ham and previously for an incident around the tunnel with referee Mark Clattenburg during a draw against Burnley.
The United manager was also fined £24,000 in total for those offences and also received a separate £50,000 fine for comments about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of the 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
