Chelsea gave themselves a dream start with a goal from Claude Makelele after 14 minutes, but their afternoon then went awry and culminated in the dismissal of captain John Terry for a second bookable offence in the second half.

Mourinho was left upset by the performance of Poll, who ruled out a Didier Drogba goal and – according to the Chelsea boss – should have red-carded Hossam Ghaly for elbowing Michael Essien.

Ghaly will escape any further punishment thanks to FIFA’s stance on retrospective punishment – but the FA may ask Mourinho to explain his remarks in more detail.

Mourinho said: “I don’t understand why John Terry was sent off. I cannot find a reason for that.

“The team gave everything and played high-pressure football. We had chances with one player less. But Mr Poll goes home, and nobody can ask him about the reasons behind his decisions.

“I never ask referees about their decisions, because they always have an excuse. So why should I ask him? He would say something like Didier Drogba was free and had a clean header, but somebody 30 metres away made a foul. They always have an excuse for their decisions.

“Have you ever seen a referee come and say ‘It was my mistake, and I influenced the game?’

“I don’t want to speak any more about that, because we lost. I don’t want people to make a confusion between the defeat and ref.”

Mourinho nonetheless added: “He sends John Terry off, because he is pulling Ledley King, and keeps Ghaly on the pitch when he gives a clear elbow on Michael Essien’s face. They always have an excuse. He has perfect vision ... two matches with him, and five points we have lost.

“I have had in my mind for a long time that referees should come to press conferences after the game to explain their decisions. But it would be a fake press conference, because they would come with their excuses – and you can do nothing about it.”

Chelsea should have put the game beyond doubt in the opening 20 minutes when Spurs had no answer to their creativity. But Frank Lampard and Drogba both spurned chances, before Makelele’s volley put them in front.

The lead lasted 10 minutes before Dawson climbed high to glance home a leveller from Jermaine Jenas’ free-kick, and Spurs won the contest six minutes after the interval when Robbie Keane’s deflected cross was superbly controlled by Lennon who slipped the ball calmly beyond Hilario.

Arjen Robben hit the post for Chelsea with four minutes remaining. But Spurs held on to end their hoodoo against the Blues – to the delight of coach Martin Jol.

“I feel it has been a great week for the club, with us winning in the UEFA Cup and beating the champions. It is an achievement,” said the Dutchman.

“They said we had never beaten a top side, and that was a bit annoying. But we did that. It was a great performance, aside from the first 25 minutes.”