Mourinho already clashing with referees during preseason friendly

Jose Mourinho clashed with match officials during a preseason friendly at Riazor on August 12, 2026, after questioning a decision by referee Adrian Cordero Vego.

Mourinho was particularly vocal about the referee's handling of yellow cards in the 62nd minute of the Deportivo–Real Madrid game, pointing to the fact that Rüdiger (26') and Camavinga (48') had already been booked earlier in the match. Deportivo finished the friendly without receiving a single yellow card.

Tense exchange on the touchline

Supporters captured the moment and a post on social media summarised the scene: "Jose Mourinho speaking his mind to the referee after he refused to give a card after Carreras was fouled. He’s back😭😭😭😂" — @fedevalv_, August 12, 2026.

The incident at Riazor marked one of the first visible confrontations between Mourinho and the officiating team since the coach returned to Spanish football this summer.

Although the match was a preseason fixture, the episode underlined Mourinho’s impatience with decisions he saw as inconsistent — an issue that has drawn attention already before competitive fixtures resume.

Photo: Real Madrid FC/Facebook
Reported by: Marija Kovačeva

Photo: ФК Реал Мадрид\/Фејсбук