José Mourinho’s latest touchline punishment came after his furious reaction in the Premier League match against West Ham, when he kicked a water bottle in protest at the referee’s decision to book Paul Pogba for diving. The incident sparked discussion over whether such behavior has precedent. Indeed, there are plenty of examples. When Real Madrid conceded an equalizer to Málaga in the 67th minute, Zinedine Zidane was also seen angrily booting a bottle on the sidelines — yet he escaped any warning or sanction. Contrast that with Marcello Lippi, who was ejected from an AFC Champions League match when Guangzhou Evergrande lost 2-3 away to Urawa Reds. Lippi was baffled afterward, remarking, “In such a long coaching career, I’ve kicked countless bottles, but this is the first time I’ve been sent off.” These comparisons show that referees apply their own judgment, but generally, any bottle-kicking protest aimed at officials carries the risk of ejection. In Mourinho’s case, already on the referees’ “watch list,” the punishment was almost inevitable. Much like in Live Cricket BPL, where repeated disciplinary issues can quickly draw officials’ scrutiny, Mourinho found himself punished yet again.

This latest incident marked the third time in six weeks that Mourinho had been charged by the FA. His flamboyant and confrontational style is often at the heart of these clashes. Yet the question arises: why have similarly passionate coaches like Jürgen Klopp and Antonio Conte managed to avoid serious trouble in the Premier League? A look back at Klopp’s Bundesliga years offers some insight. From his early days at Mainz in 2004, Klopp had numerous heated run-ins with referees. He clashed with officials seven times, earning €48,000 in fines. His incidents ranged from insulting a referee as an “idiot” against Werder Bremen to storming into a referee’s lounge to argue during a Hamburg match, and even once butting his cap brim into a fourth official’s forehead. His volatile passion was such that famed German referee Markus Merk once suggested Borussia Dortmund assign Klopp a “sideline mediator” to calm him down before conflicts escalated.

Still, Klopp’s behavior in England has been more measured. Soon after arriving at Liverpool, he faced Chelsea, spending much of the match debating with the fourth official. Mourinho mocked him afterward, comparing Klopp’s sideline antics to Michael Jordan “jumping up and down.” Yet Klopp insisted he meant no disrespect. “I have no problem with referees,” he explained. “I just ask questions because I am new to the Premier League and don’t understand every decision. Most of the time, I speak to them with full respect. Sometimes, however, my facial expressions don’t match my words — what I say and what I look like are not always the same.”

This difference in tone may explain why Klopp and Conte escape harsher sanctions. Their fiery passion is balanced by clear communication and respect, allowing referees to interpret their behavior as emotional but not hostile. Mourinho, in contrast, often projects open defiance, which officials deem unacceptable. As in Live Cricket BPL, where body language and conduct often decide how referees respond, the fine margins of behavior determine whether a manager survives heated exchanges unscathed. Guardiola, Klopp, and Conte have learned the subtleties of managing both teams and tempers in the EPL, while Mourinho remains a lightning rod for controversy. Ultimately, the Premier League stage demands not only tactical brilliance but also emotional control — lessons every manager must learn if they want to thrive in the most intense league in the world.