'I was right to send off Jose,' claims Crossley

Last updated : 01 March 2005 By Paul Lagan
The fourth official who removed Jose Mourinho from the bench at Sunday's final is adament that his decision was correct.

Phil Crossley is reported as saying: "It is in my jurisdiction to make sure Mr Mourinho keeps strictly in the technical area.

"But he went 10 or 15 metres down the line. That's not acceptable behaviour. I felt it was a public order issue."

The Kent official added: "Whatever his gestures meant, it could have been misconstrued and the reaction of the Liverpool fans proved that," Crossley added.

"In my report to the FA I say the police said he should leave but I'd already made my mind up."

He said: "He seemed to think he was only being asked to ensure that he conducted himself properly and went to sit down.

"But I told him 'I'm sorry, you have to vacate the area'. I didn't have any problem with him after that. He accepted it gracefully and there was no animosity."


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