Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has leapt to the defence of English referee Howard Webb after he was criticised by the Spanish press.

UEFA's decision to place Webb in charge of Madrid's Champions League semi-final return leg with Borussia Dortmund is thought to be an unpopular one with the locals due to past incidents involving the Yorkshire official.

However, Mourinho, who has previously encountered Webb during his managerial days at Chelsea, insists that he has no problems with the 41-year-old.

"Webb is an ideal referee, there is no problem as he has a lot of experience of games at this level," Mourinho told ESPN.

"Madrid have good feelings about all referees. We will help him to do his work so that his decisions are correct, knowing that he can make a mistake."

The tie takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

Written by
Matt Cotton