Roma’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho stormed onto the pitch demanding a red card after a heavy challenge in his side’s match against Sunderland.

Mourinho was furious after a particularly strong tackle from the Championship side’s Luke O’Nien, and although he avoided a dismissal the Black Cats diplomatically subbed him off.

The midfielder was shown a yellow card after 34 minutes of the match, being played in Albufeira, Portugal before Mourinho interrupted proceedings in the Italian side’s 2-0 win.

Sunderland boss Alex Neil gave his thoughts on the theatrical interlude to the game, saying: ‘Luke was unfortunate. He went up for a header and caught the lad with his arm, which I didn’t think was meant. I thought it was a bit of an overreaction.

‘But the referee informed me that if we didn’t take him off, he would be sent off.’

O’Nien’s challenge came in what was a resolute display from the side only recently promoted back to England’s second tier, as Sunderland managed to frustrate Mourinho’s Europa Conference League winners for much of the game.

In a game that saw 15 substitutions, Roma needed 75 minutes to find a break through, with Felix Afena-Gyan getting the goal.

Highly sought-after forward Nicolo Zaniolo then completed the win on the 80th minute, although former Chelsea star Tammy Abraham did not take to the field.

The Serie A side have been linked with numerous players as they look to strengthen having finished a disappointing sixth last season, and have already brought in Nemanja Matic.

And they could reportedly negotiate a shock swap deal with Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha by sending young striker Afena-Gyan in the other direction.

Mourinho is a huge admirer of Zaha, who has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park and has long been touted for a move away from Palace.

Eagles manager Patrick Vieira may even be open to selling his most prized asset now instead of him potentially leaving on a free transfer next season.