Jose Mourinho has hit out at the unfairness of the yellow card accumulation rules in the Europa League which have left Brazilian midfielder Fred suspended from Thursday’s round of 16 first leg at home to Glasgow Rangers.

The Portuguese head coach said it’s only logical Fenerbahce players should have accrued more bookings given they’ve had to play more matches than other teams.

“We played so many matches in Europe. I think it’s 12 or 13 now. So of course, we’ve accumulated more cards,” Mourinho explained.

“I don’t think it’s fair compared with other clubs that have played four matches less than we did. Fred is playing amazingly well. So, he’s an important miss for us,” the two-times Champions League winner added.