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Chelsea's Mourinho launches attack on referee Poll

Referee Graham Poll is shouted at by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on the sideline during the Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, London, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

Jose Mourinho launched a bitter attack on Graham Poll after being infuriated by the referee's decisions during Chelsea's goalless draw against Manchester United.

Mourinho believes Poll has been a constant thorn in his side this season and admits he would be happy if he never took charge of another Chelsea match.

The Portuguese coach's anger is rooted in Poll's decision to send off John Terry during a defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in November.

United's Chris Eagles was lucky to escape with a booking for a nasty two-footed lunge on Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Mourinho stored up his rage at Poll's failure to dismiss Eagles and took it out on the official after a clash between Claude Makelele and Wayne Rooney.

He sprang from the bench to aim a furious tirade at Poll, who initially appeared to send him off. Mourinho retreated to a seat behind the dug-out before returning after realizing he had not been dismissed.

"I was telling Mr Poll a couple of things I have had in my heart since the Tottenham game at White Hart Lane. But it was nothing special. I was cleansing my soul," he said.

"I thought I was being sent off but I wasn't. I walked to the stands but then my assistants were saying `you can stay in your position.' I think he was what he is always. He had a normal performance when he is refereeing a Chelsea match. I just say he is a referee Chelsea has no luck with. If we can have another referee we are happy. We do not like to have Mr Poll," he said.
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