Mourinho claims he ‘didn’t insult’ Juventus in celebration row

TURIN: Jose Mourinho insisted his provocative celebration of Manchester United’s dramatic 2-1 Champions League win at Juventus wasn’t meant to insult the Italian club.

Mourinho responded in typically controversial fashion as the United manager marched onto the pitch at the final whistle with his hand cupped to one ear.

“In a beautiful Italian city, they insulted me for 90 minutes. I didn’t insult them. I just made a little thing,” he told BT Sport.

“I know the millions of Inter fans are happy with that. But I respect Juventus, their players, the manager, the quality they have.”

WHY THE GESTURE

The gesture was meant to ask the Juventus fans why they were no longer taunting him, as they had throughout the game to reference to his time as manager of their rivals Inter Milan.

Mourinho had also clashed with Juventus in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford when he held three fingers up to away fans, in reference to the treble he won with Inter in 2010.

Bonucci was furious and confronted Mourinho, who was quickly escorted down the tunnel by a member of United’s backroom staff before the explosive situation could escalate.

However Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri played down the controversy.

“Everyone has their own personal reactions and how they celebrate. I can’t say whether he’s right or wrong,” he said.