FC Barcelona: Why Tito Vilanova Is Right in Forgiving Jose Mourinho

Tito Villanova announced in his first press conference as manager of FC Barcelona that he forgives Jose Mourinho. The press conference was published by the ESPN Staff at ESPN Soccernet.

Villanova went further and said that the greatest punishment for Mourinho is the lifelong publicity the images of their encounter. The encounter between the two managers deserves to be mentioned before making a comment.

Villanova VS Mourinho Spanish Super Cup 2011

During the Spanish Super Cup match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid last year, Mourinho poked Villanova in the eyes. The result was a two match ban by the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) and a fine of $800 for Mourinho as reported by the Associated Press with a h/t to ESPN.

The ban was lifted on July 2012 which means that FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other next month with their managers. The lifting of the ban was condemned by FC Barcelona via their spokesperson and Barca supporters.

Reflection

Villanova does the right thing in forgiving Mourinho even though the latter accused Barca of provocation. The idea of Villanova forgiving makes him a better person and allows him to rise above the insult.

The gesture allows FC Barcelona and its manager to prove that they are pillars of good professional conduct in sports. It is a pity that gestures such as the one by Villanova are rarely mentioned at a time when sports personalities have become the target of scandal such as the Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, and John Terry cases.

The attitude by Villanova allows La Blaugrana to concentrate on its next season with a new coach. La Blaugrana has bigger and better plans such as winning La Liga, Copa Del Rey, El Clasico, the Spanish Supercup, and the UEFA Champions League.

While supporting the noble gesture by Villanova, the FC Barcelona community should not forget what transpired. The reason for remembering will be so that Real Madrid will not take Villanova's gesture as a sign of weakness from Barca.  

The Barca community has a duty to ask for tougher sanctions against Mourinho from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA if he repeats or commits more offenses. The reason would be for Mourinho and Real Madrid to learn their lessons. 

It remains to be seen what will transpire in the next La Liga and UEFA Champions League season.

My best wishes to all and remember the chant "Barca Barca Barca!!!"

Until the next time.