English Premier League
Mourinho criticises timing of reported El Clasico referee appointments
Jose Mourinho says he does not like reports revealing the possible refereeing team for Real Madrid’s El Clasico against Barcelona before the appointments have been officially announced.
Reports in recent hours have suggested Juan Martinez Munuera will referee Sunday’s game at Camp Nou, with Iglesias Villanueva operating as the Video Assistant Referee.
Mourinho was asked about the two officials at a news conference after Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
“This comes out of context, but the announcement will be made 24 hours before the match,” Mourinho said.
“I do not like this type of information, and I do not like it being released at this time. I am not referring specifically to these two referees,” he added, according to Marca.
The match forms part of the 10th round of La Liga, with Barcelona leading the table on 27 points – a perfect record – and Real Madrid third, six points behind them.