It was the beginning of a breakdown in relations with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger which would result in a long-running public feud.
Mourinho also hit trouble in the Champions League, when he alleged that Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard had visited Swedish referee Anders Frisk at half-time during the first leg of their tie at the Nou Camp in February. UEFA accused Chelsea of making false declarations and "deliberately creating a poisoned and negative ambience" after they refused to attend the post-match news conference and submitted a report detailing their allegations.
The referee then received death threats from Chelsea fans and announced his retirement from refereeing. UEFA's head of refereeing Volker Roth described Mourinho as an "enemy of football". At the hearing Mourinho was handed a two-match touchline ban and a fine of around £9,000; the club was fined around £45,000.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB
