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FootballJose Mourinho Slams Decision to Deduct Juventus Points Amid Fight for European Places
- Jose Mourinho has criticized the decision to take away 10 points from Juventus
- Juventus dropped to seventh place after the Serie A found them guilty of illegal transfer dealings
- It is not the first time this season that Massimiliano Allegri's side has been docked points
Jose Mourinho has empathised with Juventus after they were docked 10 points from this season's tally on May 22. Juventus were found guilty of illegal transfer dealings and other financial wrongdoings.
The Old Lady were first deducted 15 points in February, but the decision was overturned in April. The Italian Football Federation issued another ruling on Monday that saw Massimiliano Allegri's side lose 10 points.
The repercussions were severe, as they dropped to 7th place, out of any European places for next season. Their other route to Champions League football was quashed after they lost to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final last week.
Mourinho on Juventus' new situation
The Italian giants have received support from Mourinho, who called out Serie A for issuing such a decision with only two games of the campaign left.
"It’s a joke to know this with two games remaining. For us and everyone, even for Juventus. Our approach would have been different if we had known before the games with Monza and Bologna. I am sorry for Allegri and his players, but at the league level, I have to say that it changes things a little,” he said, as quoted by Goal.
The AS Roma boss was speaking after watching his side drop points against Salernitana. A highly-rotated Giallarossi side drew 2-2 to extend their winless run in the league to 6 games. Juventus lost 4-1 to Empoli on the same night.
Despite siding with Juventus, the Turin-based side losing points comes as a blessing in disguise for Mourinho's European football aspirations. Roma are now up to 6th - where they can qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Inter win Milan derby to reach Champions League final
FootballThey also have a chance of playing in the Champions League, should they beat Sevilla in the Europa League final.
Juventus' Champions League chances
Sports Brief documented how the ruling was also ill-timed from a Juventus perspective, as it came moments before the team faced Empoli in the Serie A - a game they lost 4-1.
They are now on 59 points with two games left, and will be hoping AC Milan, who have 64 points in fourth place, lose their remaining two games. Interestingly, one of those two games is against Juventus.
Even if Milan lose their remaining two games, Juve still have Atalanta to worry about. La Dea sit fifth with 61 points, and will play Inter Milan and Monza in their remaining two games.