By Sportgister Ng
Jose Mourinho has urged his Roma players to start diving, telling them to “be a clown” following his latest red card for appealing a penalty decision.
Mourinho was left angry during Roma’s 1-0 home loss to Atalanta in Sunday’s Serie A outing as Nicolo Zaniolo was denied what he considered to be a nailed-on spot-kick.
And in his post-match discussions with the officials, Mourinho his players to start being more theatrical.
“There was a very clear penalty. I asked the referee afterwards why, and asked him to be clear with me that it was because Zaniolo did not go down.
“So therefore I have to change my advice to my players, I have to tell them don’t try to stay on your feet, don’t play the ball, be a clown the way many who dive like they’re in a swimming pool do in this league, because that is evidently how you get penalties.”
Mourinho was sent to the stands on Sunday after storming the pitch in protest at seeing a penalty protest from his side waved away.
Defeat to Atalanta has left Roma sixth in the Serie A standings, four points adrift of leaders Napoli heading into the international break.
