Jose Mourinho was happy with the refereeing during Chelsea's 3-0 win over Watford
Jose Mourinho was happy with the refereeing during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Watford (Picture: Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has made a rare apology to an official after saying sorry to referee Kevin Friend for criticising him in a post-match interview following the Blues’ 3-0 FA Cup win over Watford.

In a TV interview given after the game at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho expressed his annoyance at Friend for not having awarded Chelsea a penalty following Craig Cathcart’s handball in the area – despite Loic Remy going on to score from the rebound.

However, the Portuguese tactician later admitted he wanted to retract his initial criticism of Friend after speaking with the referee.

‘Today we had a big penalty and I want to apologise for complaining on the television,’ Mourinho said.

‘The referee told me that if Remy doesn’t control well the ball or it’s lost, it would have been a penalty. I was complaining but it’s good refereeing and I want to apologise.’

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