Mourinho claims eye-poke was ´natural´ reaction

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho maintains his outburst during the Spanish Supercopa was a result of provocation from Barcelona.

Several players on both teams were involved in an on-pitch brawl during the match at the Camp Nou in August, while Mourinho himself poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in his eye during the incident.

Mourinho was handed a two-game Supercopa ban for his actions – but the former Chelsea coach does not have any regrets.

“Football is all about emotions and sometimes you’ll get provoked. There are moments when you don’t react to provocations and sometimes you do,” Mourinho told Hurriyet.

“The situation at Camp Nou was one where we got provoked (by Barcelona). My reaction was perhaps not the right thing to do, but it was a natural one.”

Real Madrid were beaten 5-4 on aggregate by Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa. The controversial brawl occurred in the second of the two legs, played on August 14.