Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has backed his defender Pepe following his stamp on Lionel Messi in their clash with Barcelona.
The Madrid giants were beaten 2-1 by arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.
However, the majority of headlines were on the bad-tempered challenges throughout the match, with Pepe appearing to stamp on Lionel Messi. The incident was missed by the referee, but the Portuguese defender has insisted that it was "unintentional".
"If Pepe had said publicly that it was intentional and he had told me the same thing then I would have been really mad," the former Chelsea boss told Real Madrid's official website.
"But he said it was not on purpose and I believe him. If some amongst you think Pepe is a liar, that is your right.
"But I did not see you casting doubt last season on the player who denied making racist remarks. Quite to the contrary in fact, everyone believed him including UEFA."
Real Madrid face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.
Sam Hughes
