MADRID, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho criticized Spain's Referee's Technical Committee (CTA) before defending winger Vinicius Jr when he spoke to the press on Friday.
Real Madrid plays Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night after suffering its first defeat of the new La Liga season away to Betis a week ago.
The defeat saw an injury-time penalty from Kylian Mbappe saved by Betis goalkeeper Arturo Valles, with the rebound cleared by Betis defender Marc Bartra, whose foot had been over the line on the edge of the penalty area, but who wasn't pulled up for encroachment because it wasn't on the ground.
The CTA backed up the decision of the match referee not to have the penalty retaken, and on Friday Mourinho said he wasn't surprised.
"There is a high level of protection between referees, and it's very rare and difficult to see them criticize a refereeing decision. Union makes them strong," said the Real Madrid coach.
Mourinho was also asked about the boos a sector of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd dedicated to Vinicius Jr. in Tuesday's Champions League win over Inter Milan.
"There's a proverb in Portugal that says, 'you only throw stones at trees that bear fruit,' replied the Real Madrid coach
Vinicius "is a tree heavy with fruit. And people throw stones because they want that fruit," he continued, adding that "the best version of Vinicius is yet to come, he is very close to his top speed. He has broken his own records for high-intensity runs, ball recoveries, and recoveries in the final third... He'll get there."
Mourinho stressed that he respected a player who "gives their all," and said Vinicius "wanted to play, he wanted to help; he played as part of a team and showed respect for the badge. That type of player will always have me in his corner."
However, he also appealed for Real Madrid fans to support their team because "when there is unity between the team and the stadium, the side becomes... I wouldn't say unbeatable, but almost unbeatable." ■