In a tense game, AS Roma came from behind to draw 2-2 with Verona at home while new boss Jose Mourinho was sent off for losing his cool. The Portuguese saw red in added time for gesturing towards the referee.
La Lupa were wounded and without key players due to injury concerns and a COVID-19 outbreak. They went behind early on credit to a Antonin Barak tap-in just 5 minutes. 15 minutes later, Adrien Tameze struck to put his team ahead and make it 2-0.
All was not lost as the hosts managed to draw level after drawing inspiration from their 2 teenage substitutes. Australian-born attacking midfielder Cristian Volpato, aged 18, bagged their first goal in the 65th minute. Next up, 19-year-old Edoardo Bove found the net late on (84′) to complete the comeback.
Youngster-inspired comeback not enough for Jose Mourinho
However, this revival was unable to satisfy Mourinho. The Portuguese was shown a red card before the end of the game. He barged in onto the pitch in Saturday’s game to squabble with the referee. After that, he kicked the ball into the crowd out of frustration.
Jose Mourinho has now been handed a 2-match ban. Making a disciplinary announcement, Serie A stated that the Roma coach reacted in a “threatening” manner. He has also been fined 20,000 euros ($22,700).
The ban implies that Mourinho is not permitted on the touchline for Roma’s next 2 matches. They go up against Spezia on Sunday and Atalanta (home) on March 5.
Meanwhile, AS Roma are 8th in the table. They are now without a win in their previous 3 league outings. The Italian giants have recorded just draws, including one versus relegation candidates Genoa.
The resulting stalemate means that Roma, with their current position in 8th, are 6 points off a spot to compete for a Champions League qualification place.
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