British police are investigating an alleged assault by Inter manager Jose Mourinho on a supporter after their Champions League defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday, a spokeswoman said on Thursday.
The former Chelsea boss allegedly punched a supporter as he left the ground after the 2-0 second-round, second-leg loss to Champions League holders Manchester United, reports said.
The allegation was quickly denied by Inter and Jose Mourinho during training on Thursday.
PHOTO: AP
“Shortly before midnight last night a man reported that he had been punched in the face outside Old Trafford,” said a spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police when asked about the alleged incident involving Mourinho. “We are investigating an allegation of common assault.”
Mourinho, who labeled himself the “Special One” on the eve of taking over at United’s English rivals Chelsea in 2004, was approaching the Inter team bus which was taking the team to the airport when, with celebrating United fans nearby, the alleged incident happened.
Police have now contacted United to request closed circuit television footage of the area in question.
Inter confirmed that Mourinho had climbed onto the bus after giving his last interview of the night — to the club’s own TV channel — but said that he had a calm time post game.
Meanwhile the fan, who is not from the Greater Manchester area, did not inform police of any injuries following Mourinho’s alleged punch and did not require treatment.
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