Mourinho blasts Messi over Del Horno red card

Soccerway - 23 February 2006 13:50

José Mourinho of Chelsea FC (Allsport)

LONDON, Feb 23 (SW) – Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has launched a stinging attack on Barca youngster Lionel Messi, describing his first-half dive as theatrical.

Referee Terje Hauge gave Del Horno his marching order following a clumsy challenge of Barcelona’s young talent Lionel Messi in the 37th minute, and the Nou Camp outfit eventually managed to overturn a one-goal deficit to a memorable 2-1 away win.

But for Mourinho, the referee’s decision to send Del Horno off did not only kill the match, but also rewarded a player for a convincing play-acting performance.

"The fact that we had to play 10 versus 11 when it should have been 11 versus 11 changed everything. To play with 10 is always difficult, even against a small team. Against a good team, of course it's more difficult. We had to face them again with 10 players - not for a small period of time,” said Mourinho.

"How do you say cheating in Catalan? Can Messi be suspended for acting? Barcelona is a cultural city with many great theatres and this boy has learned very well. He's learned play-acting,” the fuming manager added.