Soccer: Pellegrini refuses handshake

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho (right, talking with an official) says he went into the stands to find his son after the match. Photo / AP

Manuel Pellegrini said he chose not to shake Jose Mourinho's hand after the Chelsea manager celebrated Fernando Torres' winner by running in front of the away benches and jumping into the home fans.

The City manager said he did not wish to speak about Mourinho after Chelsea's 2-1 win yesterday, then added: "I didn't expect anything else. It is a different way to celebrate from me."

Asked whether he had shaken hands with Mourinho he replied: "No, I didn't shake hands. Because I didn't want to."

Asked why, he said: "I repeat, I didn't want to shake hands. I don't want to say more."

Later Mourinho said that if any offence was caused he would apologise but that he was trying to find his 14-year-old son in the seats behind the away dug-out in order to celebrate with him.

Mourinho said: "Look, I think Chelsea is guilty because I want to buy a season ticket for my son, and they give them a season ticket behind the away dug-out. They have to change it. I went for him. I promise. I went for him. The next match you'll see him there again.

"But this is the drama of the last year. I beat City in the last minute in Madrid, and I slid on my knees and destroyed the trousers. I lost [a lead] in the last minute against Bayern Munich and it was like somebody put a knife in my back and I didn't see. This is the emotion. If they [City] believe my son is there, great. If they don't believe, I apologise, if they feel I did something wrong."

- Independent