When Jose Mourinho was dismissed for the third time this season during a Serie A match against Cremonese on February 28, it made headlines.
Mourinho frequently makes headlines, but this time he was enraged at fourth official Marco Serra, whom he charged with being biassed against AS Roma’s upcoming opponents.
Serra is a native of Turin, and Roma was to play Juventus right after. Mourinho was later given a two-game suspension, but he was still eligible for a match against Juventus.
With regard to Serra, The Special One had vowed to use the legal system.
Serra to officiate Serie B
In a new interesting development, Serra has now been demoted to Serie B, with the 40-year-old now set to officiate the upcoming match between Venezia and Como.
Romapress reports that it is unknown whether he will be officiating in the second tier henceforth or if it is just a temporary measure.
It is also unknown whether his clash with Mourinho had anything to do with his perceived demotion.
The Special One has never been shy to square up with referees and before the Cremonese red card, he had already been sent off in games against Atalanta and Torino.
Roma resume their push for Champions League football this weekend with a home game against Sampdoria.
Mourinho’s contract situation
Sports Brief previously reported that in his first season in charge, Mourinho won the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma, having finished seventh in Serie A the season before.
The Special One is approaching the final year of his deal in Rome and is still courting interest from top European clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, as well as the Brazilian national team.
Mourinho has received limited backing from the Roma hierarchy in the transfer market, spending only €9 million despite winning a trophy and qualifying for Europa League in his first season.