A refereeing performance in a Southern Mediterranean or South American country like Martin Atkinson’s at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would have started accusations of corruption.

Here in England thankfully we accept honest incompetence.

Jose Mourinho highlighted four key moments and he was right that Atkinson got all four wrong. He also missed a penalty for Burnley which Mourinho decided not to mention.

Jose Mourinho identified four key incidents which he believes shaped Chelsea's draw with Burnley

Referee Martin Atkinson speaks with Chelsea captain John Terry on Saturday during the 1-1 draw

Atkinson put in a questionable performance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday for Chelsea's match with Burnley

On 30 minutes: a clear foul by Ashley Barnes on Branislav Ivanovic, which Atkinson penalised but failed to take disciplinary action against the Burnley forward. It could have been a red card but deserved at least a yellow.

On 33 minutes: Michael Kightly clearly handles the ball. Atkinson, looking directly at the incident, does not react. Referees that are sure it is not a penalty usually cut the air with their hands. This was an obvious penalty which I cannot understand an experienced referee not awarding.

On 43 minutes: Diego Costa is pushed and tripped by Jason Shackell, yet again Atkinson fails to award a penalty that Chelsea deserves.

On 69 minutes: Barnes commits a horrendous challenge on Nemanja Matic. A potential leg breaker, in the clear view of Atkinson. Once again he does not react, not even blowing his whistle for the foul. Matic recovers and reacts angrily, not helped by Atkinson’s inactivity. His shove was aggressive but below the neckline. Chelsea might want to appeal but it is not a ‘clear and obvious error’ so Matic will miss next Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ashley Barnes catches Branislav Ivanovic with his right boot during an aerial challenge in the 30th minute

Ivanovic fires a shot at goal but his effort was blocked by the raised arms of Burnley's Michael Kightly

Nemanja Matic is sent off by Atkinson after reacting angrily to a horrid tackle on Saturday at Stamford Bridge

Referee Atkinson shows Matic a straight red card after his altercation with Barnes in the second half

Atkinson, the official for Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Schalke in the Champions League on Wednesday, is said to be England's number one rated international referee. Perhaps he was tired after that game in Germany.

One thing is for sure: had he refereed that game in the same manner as he did Chelsea vs Burnley, then his hopes of representing us in France for Euro 2016 next year would have gone.

Either way, Atkinson will likely escape action by Mike Riley. Even if he does miss the next list, it will be seen as routine rotation and nothing more.

Irrespective of whether Mourinho was right or wrong, I do not think the Football Association should or will act against him. He is entitled to his opinion and, as long as he does not question the integrity of referees, he should be allowed to speak against this honest incompetence.

He did that on Goals on Sunday and I agree with him. His analysis of Atkinston was right. Yet Mourinho must be very careful not to question the referee's integrity. That's what matters.

His description of Barnes's challenge as 'criminal' is in context with his quotes regarding Costa in another game. Usually I have no sympathy with Mourinho – I used to like him but quickly tired of his martyrdom and frequent use of the ‘dark arts’.

However, on this occasion I find myself empathising with him and not just because of Atkinson’s poor performance. I also feel sorry for Matic who will miss his first cup final for Chelsea.

I am sure the FA will rightly charge and subsequently ban Barnes for the challenge on Matic – but that won’t help Chelsea one bit.

In terms of Atkinson's display, it was a tired performance – not atypical for some referees after a midweek Champions League game.

To miss both penalty shouts and the Barnes challenges - the serious nature of the first and completely miss the second - is unacceptable. And in my opinion that demonstrates mental fatigue.

Atkinson was the official for Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Schalke in the Champions League on Wednesday