A fed up-looking Jose Mourinho was pictured sitting in the press box as he begins to serve his four-match touchline ban.
The Roma boss was punished after "directing abusive language" at Premier League referee Anthony Taylor following his side's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla last season. Shocking footage showed Mourinho confronting Taylor in the car park where he called him a "f***ing disgrace".
As a direct result, some feel, the official was confronted by a group of angry Roma fans, who hounded him and his partner as they made their walked through Budapest Airport the day after the match. As a result of the ban, Mourinho was consigned to the stands for Roma's clash with Sheriff Tiraspol this evening, and will remain there for their next three Europa League encounters.
READ MORE: Jose Mourinho has history with Anthony Taylor and was once sent off by Premier League ref
READ MORE: Anthony Taylor accosted by Roma fans at airport after Jose Mourinho confrontation
Speaking ahead of Thursday's game, Mourinho admitted his ban was "a problem". "My suspension is clearly a problem because I can't communicate with the team," he said. "We tried to reduce the problem by working well together in training. Today's training was very positive."
"I cannot communicate with the team during the match so we'll see where Sheriff allow me to sit during the game. I believe in my team and my staff and this will lead us to success. I can't speak to the team but from my seat, I will be able to celebrate the goals."
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Mourinho's absence didn't matter in the end as Roma won the game 2-1. Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, netted the winner mid-way through the second half after Sheriff's Cristian Tovar had cancelled out Roma's own goal opener.
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It was a must-needed win in many ways given the start Roma have made to the Serie A season. With just one win in their opening four matches, the capital city club are 12th in the table and already eight points behind league leaders Inter Milan.
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