Bruno Paixao dismisses Mourinho’s call for Joao Cancelo red card in El Clasico

Former Portuguese referee Bruno Paixao has rejected Jose Mourinho’s claim that Joao Cancelo should have been sent off during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico.

Real Madrid secured a valuable win at Camp Nou on Sunday evening in the 10th round of La Liga, cutting Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to three points and reopening the title race.

Mourinho, Real Madrid’s manager, criticised the video assistant referee over an incident involving his compatriot Cancelo, who plays for Barcelona, and Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Mourinho said: “The referee had a great game, but his colleague in the VAR room was asleep in the 60th minute. He should have intervened to send Cancelo off for his challenge on Diomande.”

Paixao, however, disagreed with Mourinho’s assessment and said the challenge did not meet the threshold for a red card.

“I do not agree with Mourinho,” the Portuguese refereeing expert told Kooora exclusively on Monday. “The challenge warrants a yellow card at most. I do not think the player deserves a red card.”