Laporta blasts RFEF decision to lift Mourinho ban

11-Jul-2012 12:47:00 PM

The ex-Blaugrana chief voiced his dismay at the federation's decision to remove the suspension imposed on the Portuguese coach, whom he feels was the sole wrongdoer in the case

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has criticised the decision made by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to revoke Jose Mourinho's ban ahead of the 2012-13 Supercopa.

Both the Real Madrid coach and his opposite number Tito Vilanova saw their suspension's lifted, which means they will be able to sit on their respective benches for the new season's curtain-raiser.

Mournho had been given a two-game for gouging Vilanova's eye during a touchline brawl in the 2011-12 Supercopa contest at Camp Nou, while the former assistant to Pep Guardiola was handed a one-match suspension for his role in the fracas.

Laporta has now indicated that he is against such a decision and insisted Mourinho's action does not deserve to go unpunished.

"It is clear to me that Mourinho is the assailant, but the rules say that there may be a pardon, and we must respect them," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

"Mourinho acted with premeditation, his aggression was from behind. It is a completely improper and ridiculous action.

"Only Mourinho should have been punished, because Tito's reaction is normal when someone is trying to hurt you from behind."