Jose Mourinho’s allegations of a “campaign” against Chelsea over diving were designed to make officials think twice before making big calls against his team in the future, according to Gary Neville.
Mourinho took exception to referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to book Cesc Fabregas for simulation during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday and suggested a wider pattern with several other incidents that have cost the Premier League leaders bookings or points this season.
And Neville, who played his entire career under Sir Alex Ferguson – another manager who made a habit of talking about referees – believes the Chelsea boss knows exactly what he hopes to achieve with his comments.
“He has planted a seed for the rest of the season,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “He’ll probably take a fine for that.
“What Mourinho has done today has said he’s drawing a line in the sand and said ‘I’m not accepting this any more’, letting the referees know this is unacceptable for the rest of the season.
“The campaign bit is him saying he’s not having this anymore.
“It’s what teams that are going for the title do. Historically, you put pressure on, you plant seeds, he won’t think for one minute there’s a campaign against Chelsea.”
