Mourinho 'assault' investigated

The BBC NEWS website is reporting today that the Greater Manchester Police are apparently investigating an allegation of common assault made against Jose Mourinho, following last night's Champions League tie.

It has been alleged the Inter Milan manager punched a supporter as he left Old Trafford stadium after his team's defeat by Manchester United.

Police have contacted United to request CCTV footage of the area and have confirmed a complaint has been made.

A spokesman for Manchester United confirmed they are aware of the allegation but made no further comment.

The fan is alleged to have chanted, "You're going home, you're going home" to the former Chelsea manager.

The man later went into Stretford police station, close to Old Trafford, to report the alleged attack.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said:

"Just before midnight on Wednesday 11 March 2009 a man reported he'd been punched in the face outside Old Trafford.

"Police are investigating this common assault allegation. Inquiries are ongoing."

The allegation came after Mourinho watched his team crash out of the Champions League after Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo scored for United at the start of each half.

Mourinho has come under attack from the Italian media for his failure to get Inter through to the last eight teams in the competition.

The plane taking the Inter party back to Milan left Manchester at 0025 GMT.

The fan, who is not from the Greater Manchester area, did not report any injuries to police after the alleged attack and did not need treatment.

I must say I am surprised to hear of the possibility that the 'special one' is capable of such an act... if this allegation is true of course.

I am particularly surprised that it wasn't the other way round! Whilst I would never condone this type of violence (there is at times a good case for other types)... how many of us can say we have never experienced the urge to give the 'special one' a good slap for his extreme displays of arrogance and conceit?? I know I have felt it!

Before any of you lay into me... I will add that I do respect the guy... in many other ways, for his skill in manipulating other managers and the press... and of course, not least his undoubted skills and success as a football manager... but I'd still like to slap him at times! lol