X

Mourinho: Ianni deserves a second chance

Jose Mourinho has accepted Chelsea's apologies over the incident involving coach Marco Ianni during Saturday's Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.

Ianni, who is an assistant coach to Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, celebrated Ross Barkley's 96th-minute equaliser for the Blues in front of Mourinho, which sparked a melee in the dugout.

However, Jose was quick to play down the incident in his post-match interviews and is keen to put an end to the story, having accepted both Ianni and Chelsea's apologies.

Jose feels Ianni deserves a second chance following the incident at Stamford Bridge.

“I want to thank Sarri for his honesty,” said the boss in his press conference ahead of the Juventus match.

“I want to thank Chelsea for its honesty too, but I'm not happy that he is going too far with the young boy. I don't think he deserves more than what he got.

”He apologised to me, I accept his apology. I think he deserves a second chance, I don't think he deserves to be sacked. I don't think he deserves anything more than the fact that his club was strong with him and he went through a situation, in the end, where he recognises that he was wrong.

“So I hope that everybody does the same as I did which is to not disturb the career of a young guy who probably is a great guy, a coach with great potential and I'm not happy with any more than that. End of story.”

The Football Association (FA) have confirmed this afternoon (Monday) that Ianni has been charged with improper conduct as a result of his behaviour during Saturday's game. He has until 18:00 BST on Thursday 25 October to respond to the charge.

In relation to the same incident, Mourinho has also been formally reminded of his responsibilities. Both clubs have also received similar official reminders in terms of the behaviour expected of their staff and players at all times whilst in the technical area.

Young and Shaw look ahead with optimism

Chelsea 2 United 2

'We've shown it is never finished with us'

Highlights: Chelsea 2 United 2video