Jose collared in dog row but police have no leads

The search was on today for José Mourinho's Yorkshire terrier. It was last seen with the Chelsea boss who was arrested in a row over the dog.

The pet was going to be quarantined amid fears it had been brought back into the country without observing anti-rabies laws.

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No comment: Mourinho refused to speak as he was driven from his Belgravia home (right) and wanted: Yorkshire terrier

Mourinho told police he had to make a phone call outside his Belgravia home last night, taking the dog with him. When he returned the terrier was nowhere to be seen.

Mourinho told the police it had run off. He had been arguing with officers who had come to take it away.

When Mourinho, 44, came back without the dog, police arrested him for obstructing them in their duty.

He was taken to a west London police station where he was cautioned, fingerprinted and a sample of DNA taken to go on the national database.

Mourinho's wife Tami was at home with their children Matilde, 10, and José Junior, six, when officers called at 7.45pm. Mourinho apparently sprinted from his club's player of the year awards in Battersea Park when his wife called to tell him what was happening.

One onlooker at the event in a marquee told the Sun: "José had obviously got bad news. He bolted for the exit, sprinting to a line of taxis."

Mourinho, who is preparing for Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United, pushed past autograph hunters.

When he arrived home he found an official from the animal health and welfare service escorted by two constables.

A spokesman for Mourinho said: "Jose Mourinho can confirm that he was cautioned by police, and released without charge earlier this morning, after an incident involving his pet dog.

"The incident occurred due to a misunderstanding over documents required for veterinary regulations.

"Mr Mourinho would like to make it clear that his pet dog was bought in England from a reputable breeder and has had all its necessary inoculations. Full co-operation will be given to the authorities over any animal health issues."

It is illegal to bring dogs into Britain without a rabies jab and a blood test to confirm it has worked six months before travelling, to protect the country from the disease.

Britain's rabies law is currently under review and could be relaxed, bringing the country into line with other EU nations where animals are allowed to enter 21 days after testing.

Last month Mourinho had to hide in a laundry skip to be smuggled into Stamford Bridge to get round a Uefa ban after one of his outbursts got him into trouble. He left his house this morning and got into a waiting car without making a comment.

His other dog, a German shepherd called Gullit, after the former Chelsea player and manager, is not thought to be a suspect.

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