Wednesday 30 November 2016 23:55, UK
Jose Mourinho was absent from the touchline for Manchester United's EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham after being given a one-match ban by the Football Association - but would not divulge where he watched the game.
Mourinho, who was also fined £16,000, was not seen inside Old Trafford during Wednesday's 4-1 win after accepting a touchline ban earlier in the day for his dismissal during Sunday's Premier League clash between the same two sides.
Asked by Sky Sports where he chose to watch the tie, Mourinho answered: "It's a secret. I was in contact with the bench.
"Yesterday we worked really well and everybody was prepared. At half-time I could be face to face with the players and on top of that I trust my assistants to pass on the information we need.
The FA released a statement in the hours before kick-off on Wednesday saying the United boss had admitted a charge of improper conduct after he was sent from the touchline for the second time this season for showing his frustration at the decision to book Paul Pogba for a dive during the 1-1 draw.
He kicked a plastic water bottle along the touchline at Old Trafford and was sent off by referee Jon Moss, before being subsequently charged by the FA.
Mourinho was allowed to be in contact with his team before they took on the Hammers and felt he would be able to "do the job" despite having to leave assistant Rui Faria to lead things from the technical area.
Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, he said: "I don't comment. It's not the same to not be on the touchline but I gave everything I have to try and prepare the team the best I could.
"The rules allow me to be in touch with my colleagues on the touchline and to be in the dressing room before the game and at half-time, so I think I can do the job."
Sky Sports News HQ understands that the incident was deemed to have been a pretty low-level, petulant offence which, in normal circumstances, would have seen Mourinho receive a standard £8,000 fine.
However, Mourinho was also given a one-match touchline ban, fined £8,000 and warned as to his future conduct by the FA after being sent off following an incident with referee Mark Clattenburg during United's 0-0 draw with Burnley last month.
As a result, the commission decided to give him another ban and double the standard fine to £16,000.
He also received a £50,000 fine earlier in November for comments made about the appointment of Anthony Taylor to referee United's game against Liverpool.
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4!
