Mourinho: Right decision to clear me of FA charge

JOSE Mourinho insists he meant absolutely no offence by what he said at the end of United’s victory over Newcastle.

The Football Association charged Mourinho with using ‘foul and/or abusive language’ after he allegedly swore towards a pitchside camera.

Mourinho appealed the charge and this week an Independent Regulatory Commission deemed it was not worthy of punishment, although the FA could appeal against the verdict.

Written reasons for the panel’s decision are expected to be published next week.

United’s lawyers cited England midfielder Jordan Henderson’s language in last month’s goalless Nations League draw with Croatia in their appeal. In a game that was played behind closed doors in Rijeka, Henderson could be heard swearing at Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.

Mourinho did not expand on the specifics of his appeal but mentioned last week’s Premier League draw between Crystal Palace and Arsenal as an example where colourful language is harmlessly used.

“Nobody knows what I told,” Mourinho insisted. “Did you watch Crystal Palace vs Arsenal? You know that between Portuguese, Spanish, Italians, we are saying that word five times every 10 seconds and we don’t offend anyone. Anyone.

“It’s the same thing as you English say some similar words, but a bit different. You are not offending. You are just frustration, happiness, here it comes. All the time.”