Jose Mourinho claims he is ‘unlucky’ with referee Michael Oliver after criticising Arsenal penalty v Tottenham

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Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP14 March 2021

Jose Mourinho said Michael Oliver made a “mistake” awarding Arsenal a penalty against Tottenham and suggested the referee may have been tired after officiating in the Europa League in midweek.

Oliver gave Arsenal a penalty in the second half of Sunday’s north London derby when he adjudged Davinson Sanchez had fouled Alexandre Lacazette.

Lacazette picked himself up to score the winner from the spot as the Gunners came from behind to win 2-1.

Oliver also sent off Spurs midfielder Erik Lamela in the second half for two yellow cards.

After the game, Mourinho criticised the decision to award a penalty and suggested Oliver could have been fatigued after refereeing Dynamo Kiev versus Villarreal in Ukraine on Thursday.

Mourinho said: “If somebody has a different opinion [on the penalty], it has to be an Arsenal season-ticket holder. He is the only one I would accept a different view because that is the passion speaking, apart from that I would not accept that anyone has a different view. Because it is too obvious.

“It was a mistake by Michael Oliver. Players get tired of so many matches, coaches get tired, referees maybe get tired. He had a game midweek in the Europa League, maybe [he is] tired.

“Normally I am very unlucky with him because my record with him on penalties is astonishing. Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, it does not matter the club I am very unlucky with such a good referee.”

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