MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho found himself in more trouble with English soccer authorities on Tuesday when he was again charged with misconduct, this time for verbally abusing a referee in a Premier League game.
Five days after being charged for comments made about a referee ahead of a game, Mourinho was accused by the Football Association of using "abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official" during United’s 0-0 draw against Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday. He could be handed a touchline ban.
Mourinho was incensed that referee Mark Clattenburg did not award United a penalty following Burnley defender Jon Flanagan’s challenge on United’s Matteo Darmian in the area. Clattenburg didn’t give a foul.
The FA said it is alleged that Mourinho verbally abused the referee in the tunnel area at halftime. Mourinho watched the second half of the match in the stands.
Mourinho was already facing a sanction for questioning whether it would be difficult for referee Anthony Taylor to have a "very good performance" in a game against Liverpool on Oct. 17, which finished 0-0. He was charged with misconduct on Thursday.
Managers are forbidden to speak about referees in the buildup to matches.
Mourinho has until Friday to respond to the latest charge, which adds to the problems building for the Portuguese coach as United struggles in his first season in charge.
After 10 games, United — the most decorated team in English soccer with 20 league titles — is eighth in the Premier League after only one win in its last seven games. United was the second biggest spender among English clubs in Europe’s off-season transfer window with an outlay of an estimated $170 million, including the signing of France midfielder Paul Pogba for a world-record fee.
Mourinho also repeatedly talked himself into trouble with the FA during his time as Chelsea manager.
