Incensed Jose Mourinho demands a red card for a challenge in Roma’s friendly with Sunderland 

Roma’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho stormed onto the pitch demanding a red card after a heavy challenge in his side’s match against Sunderland. 

Mourinho was furious after a particularly strong tackle from the Championship side’s Luke O’Nein, and although he avoided a dismissal the Black Cats diplomatically subbed him off. 

The midfielder was shown a yellow card after 34 minutes of the match, being played in Albufeira, Portugal before Mourinho interrupted proceedings in the Italian side’s 2-0 win. 

Sunderland boss Alex Neil gave his thoughts on the theatrical interlude to the game, saying: ‘Luke was unfortunate. He went up for a header and caught the lad with his arm, which I didn’t think was meant. I thought it was a bit of an overreaction.

‘But the referee informed me that if we didn’t take him off, he would be sent off.’

O’Nien’s challenge came in what was a resolute display from the side only recently promoted back to England’s second tier, as Sunderland managed to frustrate Mourinho’s Europa Conference League winners for much of the game. 

O’Nien was ‘unfortunate’ according to his manager Alex Neil who said it was an ‘overreaction’ 

Mourinho’s side went on to win 2-0 eventually

In a game that saw 15 substitutions, Roma needed 75 minutes to find a break through, with Felix Afena-Gyan getting the goal. 

Highly sought-after forward Nicolo Zaniolo then completed the win on the 80th minute, although former Chelsea star Tammy Abraham did not take to the field. 

The Serie A side have been linked with numerous players as they look to strengthen having finished a disappointing sixth last season, and have already brought in Nemanja Matic. 

And they could reportedly negotiate a shock swap deal with Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha by sending young striker Afena-Gyan in the other direction. 

Mourinho is a huge admirer of Zaha, who has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park and has long been touted for a move away from Palace. 

Eagles manager Patrick Vieira may even be open to selling his most prized asset now instead of him potentially leaving on a free transfer next season.