Sunderland supporters were shocked to see Jose Mourinho storm the pitch at the Albufeira Municipal Stadium following a robust challenge from Luke O'Nien. Alex Neil's side put in a solid performance for around an hour before the Europa Conference League winners' quality came to the fore.
Mourinho made his way on to the pitch to remonstrate with the referee after O'Nien caught Roger Ibanez with a stray elbow. The Black Cats midfielder had already been booked just moments before the incident which saw the the rest of the Roma coaching staff head onto the pitch.
O'Nien was substituted to avoid a second yellow card but there were a number of strong tackles from the Sunderland contingent. Jay Matete and Carl Winchester were also shown yellow cards for fouls on Roma players throughout the second-half.
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Sunderland fans took to social media to have their say on the game.
@powell_matthew said: "Never thought I’d see Jose Mourinho asking Sunderland to take Luke O’Nien off because his team couldn’t handle him but here we are."
@l_safc4 tweeted: "Jose Mourinho getting rattled by Luke O'Nien."
@Kevsafc22 said: "Jose Mourinho trying to get Luke O'Nien sent off in a pre season friendly is something I never thought I'd be tweeting about."
@jonnymcfadden said: "Luke O’Nien singlehandedly ensuring there won’t be an annual friendly with Roma."
@TerryHobkirk tweeted: "Roma players have sleepless nights over Luke O'Nien."
@Samblakely said: "Jose Mourinho squaring up to Luke O’Nien in the middle of the pitch, trying to get him sent off in a friendly is superb viewing I must say."
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