Jose Mourinho on the brink at Real Madrid

ONE IN THE EYE ... TV catches Mourinho shoving a finger into coach Vilanova's face

JOSE MOURINHO is likely to escape punishment for sticking a finger in the eye of a Barcelona coach - but could lose his job instead.

The Real Madrid boss was caught by TV cameras making a shameful attack on Tito Vilanova during Wednesday's 3-2 Spanish Super Cup defeat.

Spanish FA chiefs are unlikely to charge the former Chelsea chief because the incident did not appear in referee David Fernandez Borbalan's official report.

But Bernabeu bosses are under increasing pressure to axe Mourinho after this latest scandal, which came during a 20-man bust-up sparked by Marcelo's two-footed lunge on Cesc Fabregas. Three players ended up being sent off.

Barca vice-president Carles Vilarrubi rapped: "Real Madrid cannot stand behind such a reprehensible act as their coach committed at the Camp Nou. Action must be taken.

"Mourinho is a curse on our football in Spain."

The fact Real stars refused to wait for the medal presentation at the end of their 5-4 aggregate defeat also brought criticism.

Barca midfielder Xavi said: "The way Madrid acted was lamentable and pathetic. They kicked us off the pitch and looked to cause fights and eventually Marcelo was sent off for a criminal tackle intended to do damage.

"Pepe was just as bad. Not only do they escape punishment most of the time, they keep on protesting when justice is done by the referee. It is shameful.

"And when we lost the Spanish Cup to them in April we were sporting enough to wait for the medal ceremony and put up with them celebrating their win.

"But when they lose they just run down the tunnel."

During the summer there were doubts over whether the Special One would be allowed to stay at the Bernabeu. But his push for power increased following the sacking of sporting director and staunch critic Jorge Valdano.

However Mourinho was left in no doubt that president Florentino Perez expects silverware - and a better image.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique blasted: "Mourinho is destroying Spanish football.

"They are working under the orders of someone who will ruin our game unless something is done about him.

"This has got completely out of order and their actions are well beyond the limit of what is acceptable.

"It's going too far and one day it will end very badly."