Jose Mourinho launched an extraordinary attack on the diving ‘campaign’ being waged against his side after Cesc Fabregas’ booking yesterday – despite the fact his side have now picked up at least twice as many bookings for simulation as anyone else.
The Spaniard went to ground in the area following a challenge from Saints youngster Matt Targett, but was given a yellow card for diving by referee Anthony Taylor instead of a penalty.
The decision prompted Mourinho to embark on a post-match rant after his side were held 1-1 by Southampton, with the Portuguese claiming that his players were being unfairly branded as cheats.
‘The reality is that there are penalties and there are penalties – this was one was big, like Big Ben,’ he said.
‘Referees are not here to guess, they are there to see. He assumed dishonesty with Cesc and he is wrong.
‘Match after match coaches are saying Chelsea players are diving. Out of nothing Sam Allardyce starts talking about my players.
‘I will go to the referee, wish him a good year and tell him he will be ashamed. There is a campaign against Chelsea.’
However, while Mourinho may contest many of the decisions that have gone against his team, statistics show that Chelsea are the worst offenders in the Premier League when it comes to diving.
The Blues have picked up four bookings for simulation this season, which is at least double the amount that Sunderland and Manchester City – the next biggest offenders – have received.
The Stamford Bridge club are also accountable for more than a quarter of the 14 cautions that have been handed out for simulation this season, with Diego Costa, Willian, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill and now Fabregas all being accused of going to ground too easily.
Despite dropping points at Southampton, Chelsea remained three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Manchester City let a two-goal lead slip at home to Burnley.
Source: Metro UK
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