Roma came back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to hold Hellas Verona to a 2-2 draw in a dramatic encounter at the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi boss Jose Mourinho once again stole the spotlight after receiving a straight red card in the stoppage time (via CBSSports).
Severely crippled by injuries and suspensions, Roma experienced an underwhelming opening as Antonin Barak put Verona in front just five minutes into the match. Only 15 minutes late, Adrien Tameze doubled the visitors’ advantage following a sublime build-up play, giving the Giallorossi a mountain to climb in the second half.
With a host of his first-team stars ruled out for Saturday’s fixture, Mourinho introduced numerous youngsters after the break as part of his bid to avoid defeat. Two of those substitutions paid off massively as 18-year-old Cristian Volpato and 19-year-old Edoardo Bove came off the bench to rescue a point for Roma.
But vintage Mourinho could not help himself again as his severe complaints earned him an expulsion a minute into the injury-time. After unrelenting complaining about Verona’s timewasting and the fact his side was denied a penalty, the ‘Special One’ received his marching orders, casting a shadow on Roma’s impressive second-half comeback.
Jose Mourinho has been sent off for Roma again this season! ?
He's lost his cool in stoppage time! pic.twitter.com/WAH20txnQd
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 19, 2022
It was the first time this season that Mourinho was sent off. That may come a bit surprising given his continuous discussions with the referees and frequent critics directed towards the match officials in the post-game conferences.
The Portuguese manager, who has overseen his side drawing three consecutive Serie A games, will not be on the touchline when Roma take on Spezia at the Stadio Alberto Picco next weekend. With six points separating them from fourth-placed Juventus, the Giallorossi will have to start winning soon if they are to retain hopes of securing their first top-four finish since 2017/18.
Welcome back Jose!