Mourinho: 'I don't believe any referee considers themselves a friend of Negreira'

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho affirmed his trust in Spanish referees, stating he does not believe any official considers themselves a friend of Negreira or has been unduly influenced by past favors. Mourinho emphasized his confidence in the honesty of Spanish referees, despite acknowledging that some matches may feature decisions that displease him.

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I trust Spanish refereeing, before every match I always trust the referee. After the match, sometimes there are things I don't like. If you are asking to get to my past and if I doubt now… At that level, I don't doubt Spanish refereeing.

He specifically addressed the ongoing 'Negreira case,' which involves allegations of payments made by Barcelona to a former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees. Mourinho asserted that he does not doubt the integrity of Spanish referees in this context, although he conceded that refereeing decisions can sometimes impact match outcomes, citing an example from the first matchday.

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I don't think there is a referee in Spain who thinks he is a friend of Negreira or that Negreira did him a favor years ago. I am on the side of the honesty of Spanish referees. Although there are matches where they have influenced the results, as in the Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla match on the first matchday; it can happen.

Mourinho also reiterated his support for his player Vinícius Júnior, particularly concerning the treatment he receives from opposing crowds. He suggested that while Vinícius can manage reactions to general insults, he needs greater protection from fouls and potentially racist or homophobic abuse. Mourinho believes referees play a crucial role in protecting all players and the game itself, and that their leniency can encourage opponents to target players like Vinícius more aggressively.

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The reaction to the public, to insults, without being racist or homophobic, he can control them. His relationship with the rival crowd he can improve, but in the game with kicks, fouls, penalties… All this frustration is the responsibility of the judge; I prefer to say judge than referee, because I speak of justice.

The coach elaborated on the physical and verbal pressure Vinícius faces, suggesting that opponents exploit the situation if they perceive that the referee allows it. He noted that if players can commit multiple fouls or engage in aggressive behavior without immediate consequence, it creates a dynamic that can be detrimental to the game and the player.

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It's something very obvious. It's like small children, they go as far as you allow them to go. And football players the same. If you can crush Vini, pressure him physically and with words, if the yellow card comes to me after making ten fouls, if I can almost get to aggression… I don't like it.