FC Barcelona: Why Lifting Ban on Jose Mourinho Deserves Condemnation

Angel Villar, who is the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), announced that the federation will overturn Mourinho's punishment for poking Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye.The announcement was reported in the Washington Post with a h/t to the Associated Press.

Barca spokesperson Toni Freixa quickly criticized the move saying that it sends the wrong signal to future aggressors. The time has come to discuss what transpired and the reason why condemnation is necessary, especially since the two giant powerhouses of Spain will face each other next month.

History Of What Happened

During the Spanish Super Cup match of 2011 between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Mourinho poked Villanova in the eyes. The incident was published in The Telegraph.

Mourinsho's spokesperson, Eladio Parames, told El Mundo  (h/t to The Telegraph) that Mourinho will not apologize for the incident.

Parames went as far as to tell El Mundo that Mourinho was acting in the interests of Real Madrid. Mourinho was punished with a two match ban and a fine.

Mourinho had a previous encounter with FC Barcelona and UEFA in the year 2011. During the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League match between the two Spanish giants, Mourinho accused UEFA of favoritism towards FC Barcelona and lost his temper.

UEFA responded with a five match ban for Mourinho and a fine of $68,226. The ban was lifted partially by UEFA after Real Madrid appealed it.

Reflection On Wrong Signal

What the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA did was wrong and will serve to reinforce Mourinhos' behavior. Mourinho will be tempted in the 2012-2013 La Liga season to continue his aggressive tactics against Barca.

Imagine what would happen if an athlete or coach who is not of the same caliber as Mourinho were to behave as he did. The athlete or coach would be suspended (without appeal) or even expelled from the match.

The reason would be to punish unprofessional behavior so that everyone in the sports world receives a clear signal.

Solution

While the lifting of the punishments by UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation may not be undone, it is the duty of those who love football and other sports to condemn the lifting of Mourinho's ban.

It is hoped that this article will serve as a catalyst to condemn unprofessional behavior regardless of its origins.