Former referee Jon Moss shared a hilarious Jose Mourinho anecdote about when the legendary manager ambushed a TV interview to praise his performance.

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• Moss officiated for 11 years in the Premier League
• Had a "love-hate" relationship with Mourinho
• Hilarious anecdote recalled

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Moss, who officiated hundreds matches in the English top flight over his illustrious career, was well-known for his strict yet composed officiating style. Across his tenure, he issued 907 yellow cards, 14 red cards, and awarded 81 penalties, averaging a spot-kick every 3.4 matches.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the technical aspect of refereeing is challenging, Moss admitted that one of the toughest parts of the job is handling the players and managers who bring intense emotions and personalities to the game. When asked about the most difficult coach to control, his answer was immediate.

• WHAT MOSS SAID

  Speaking on the podcast, Moss said: "I always had a love-hate relationship with Jose Mourinho. I sent him off three times, I thought he was a fantastic manager, in terms of the kind of character you want in the league he would be challenging at times, he would be fantastic company to have.

  "We went to the Europa League final with Anthony Taylor, and he greeted us in the car park like a long-lost brother. There have been times when I was toe-to-toe with him in the dressing room where I had to stand my ground."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Among his many exchanges with the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham boss, one moment stood out as classic Mourinho. Moss explained how he once complained to Mourinho about never receiving positive feedback from managers in post-match interviews. The response he received was both unexpected and vintage Mourinho.

  "I said 'Jose, you never say anything good about referees on the TV!' and he said 'Wait here!'," Moss continued.

  "He runs in, one of his players is being interviewed on Sky, and he pushes him to one side and goes on the camera and says 'I thought the referee had a great game today!' He then walked into the dressing room and said 'there you go, you owe me one' and walked off!"

Tags: Futebol
Category: News