Jose Mourinho Says That Arsenal Like To Cry, After Being Asked About John Obi Mikel Incident

In a post-match interview after Chelsea drew 0-0 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claimed that Arsenal “like to cry.” The response was in question to John Obi Mikel’s collision with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta in the 37th minute of the match.

Mourinho said:

“They like to cry. That’s tradition.

“English people, for example Frank Lampard, never provoke a situation like that and players from some countries – especially some countries – have it in their blood.

“Even if the opponent is aggressive with you, keep going. Let’s go – this is English football.

“Football is for men – or women with a fantastic attitude. It is a game of contact. The referee had a great game.”

Referee Mike Dean came under a lot of criticism from pundits and fans during the match for not red carding John Obi Mikel after he smashed into Arteta directly in front of the eyes of referee Dean. No card was awarded.

After the match, Mikel Arteta summed up the severity of the collision with Mikel to the press:

Seconds after ref Mike Dean missed the Mikel-Arteta collision, Theo Walcott charged into the box and was brought down by Willian, but no penalty was given.

And then later in the match, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic made a dangerous kick that almost hit Mesut Ozil’s head. Yet again, Dean didn’t give a yellow card to punish a Chelsea footballer.

With the 0-0 draw, Arsenal remain in second place while Chelsea sit in fourth place, just two points behind the Gunners.

Editor’s note: For the latest Gunners news, analysis and opinion, visit the Arsenal team page.