Mourinho on Negreira case: "Something smelled wrong when I was here"

José Mourinho again questioned the refereeing decisions he faced during his time at Real Madrid, claiming he already suspected irregularities back then.

By El Medio Oriente
August 24, 2026
An older man with white hair wears a black and pink Real Madrid training jacket, looking downward with a serious expression during a sporting event.
José Mourinho on the bench during a match, wearing Real Madrid kit. The manager has reiterated his criticism of the refereeing decisions he faced during his period managing the club. (Mundo Deportivo)
1 min read
Text size

José Mourinho was interviewed on El Chiringuito where the Negreira case came up. "When I was here, something already smelled wrong," said the Portuguese manager, accompanying his words with a hand gesture that went viral on social media.

During his first spell on the Real Madrid bench, Mourinho was highly critical of the refereeing decisions his team received and made comparisons with those Barcelona obtained. His famous appearance with the "why?" questions following a match against Barcelona was recorded.

From Valdebebas they indicate that Mourinho has returned in a calmer mood, although the Portuguese manager already had his first confrontation with a referee in the friendly match Real Madrid played at Riazor against Deportivo. Mourinho questioned the official for not showing cards to Deportivo players while he did show them to Real Madrid players.

Mourinho on Negreira case: "Something smelled wrong" | El Medio Oriente