Jose Mourinho launched a furious tirade at fourth official Mike Jones as Chelsea lost ground in the Barclays Premier League title race.
The Chelsea manager lost his temper when Jones indicated only four minutes of injury time, angrily calling it a 'disgrace' as his side were held to a 0-0 draw by West Ham on Wednesday night. In added time Samuel Eto'o cheekily put the ball in the net but a West Ham free kick had already been awarded.
Mourinho later turned his anger on the tactics employed by Sam Allardyce's men, branding them a '19th century' football team. The Hammers had just one shot at goal all night, compared to Chelsea's 39.
Screamer: The Chelsea boss was frustrated all evening as his side couldn't find a way through West Ham
'Cheating, but I don't know if that's the right word. The goalkeeper taking his time, not after minute 70, but in the first minute. Ten defenders in the box. Very basic.
'It's very difficult to play a football match where only one team wants to play. I told Big Sam (Allardyce).
'They need the points but because they need points, to come here and not play and do it the way they did . . . is it acceptable? Maybe yes.
'I cannot be too critical because if I was in this position, I don't know, would I do the same? Maybe I would.
Pressure point: Mourinho berates the fourth official as he signals four minutes of injury time despite a West Ham player being down injured
'But at the same time, this is not Premier League (football). The only thing I could use was a Black and Decker to destroy their wall.'
As well as being unhappy at the amount of time added on Mourinho felt Joey O'Brien was lucky to escape a red card for a late challenge on Willian.
'I was telling the fourth official (at the end of the game) the message the referees were given, with four minutes' extra time, was not right,' said the Chelsea boss.
'When one team comes here to do what West Ham did and the referees have the chance to show they are not happy with the game too, and they give four minutes with five changes in the second half?
'Even with the changes, that is two-and-a-half minutes. Then there was what they did, and the injury to the keeper. That was the wrong message. The time (added on) is a situation where the referees are not uniform. Sometimes they have seven minutes and you ask why.
'Sometimes two and you ask why. They're not consistent.'
In response, Allardyce laughed off Mourinho's jibes, saying: 'He can't take it, can he? He can't take it because we've "out-tacticed" him, outwitted him. He just can't cope.
'He told me that, but he can tell me all he wants. I don't give a s***e, to be honest.
'I love to see Chelsea players moaning at the referee, trying to intimidate him, Jose jumping up and down in his technical area. It's great to see.'
The 'goal' that riled Mourinho
Quick reactions: West Ham keeper Adrian sticks out a foot to keep John Terry's header out
Allardyce lauded his players for implementing his tactics in a result he believes was on a par with the 3-0 win at Tottenham earlier in the season.
The Hammers boss added: 'This one probably equals (Tottenham) because of the position we're in and the problems we've had recently.
'It was all about frustrating a team that's got world-class players and not to come here and lie down.
Strike: Samuel Eto'o shoots under pressure from West Ham defender James Tomkins
'Tactically we got it right in two areas particularly: one was in stopping (Eden) Hazard, Oscar and Willian and (Samuel) Eto'o scoring goals; and the other one was stopping them scoring from set plays. We did a fantastic job.'
Mourinho hopes West Ham avoid relegation, adding: 'With this two points that they took from us I hope the point they got means something for them.'
Mourinho refused to criticise his players, who could have done with someone of the guile of Juan Mata, now at Manchester United.
'With my players, I'm happy,' he said.
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