'That's not very democratic!' - Jose Mourinho says he has the right to criticise referees as Benfica boss faces punishment over 'no personality' complaints

Mourinho has defended his right to analyse the performance of referees as he faces potential disciplinary action for his recent comments criticising officials. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Benfica coach is under investigation after the Portuguese Football Referees' Association (APAF) filed a complaint against him.

The controversy stems from Mourinho's post-match interview earlier this week, where he accused referee Sergio Guelho of having "no personality" after a 91st-minute winner for Benfica was disallowed by VAR. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Friday's match against Gil Vicente, Mourinho argued his critique was fair and not a personal attack. 

"I have to adapt," he said. "The Portuguese League is new to me. I'm very, very clear that personal insults undermine people's dignity; I can't do that, and I haven't done it. If I can't criticise a referee's work in the same way that millions of people criticise mine, I don't think it's very democratic. I feel like I haven't done anything that justifies any kind of action, whether disciplinary or an in-depth analysis of my words. I remember saying that the referee had no influence on the outcome of the game. I didn't even say the goal should have been allowed. 

"If you want to be objective and say that talking about referees is prohibited, it makes our mission easier. If someone gives me a directive clearly stating that analysing the work of referees is prohibited, I think it makes life much easier. There's one thing that's obvious to me: before a game, I don't talk about referees. After a game, I feel entitled to speak out, and it's a pleasure to praise referees; it gives me even more pleasure to praise referees when I lose."

As a direct result of the APAF complaint regarding his "no personality" comment, Mourinho could now face a touchline ban, a fine, or both from the league's disciplinary body. The 62-year-old suggested that if criticism is not permitted, the rules should be made clear.

While the threat of punishment looms, Mourinho's immediate focus is on Benfica's Primeira Liga clash at the Estadio da Luz against Gil Vicente on Friday evening. The manager was complimentary of his opposite number, Cesar Peixoto, a player he coached during his time at Porto. Following the match, Mourinho will await the verdict of the disciplinary proceedings while preparing his team for a difficult run of fixtures before the upcoming international break.