NOBODY likes losing when it comes to sport.

Whatever game you play, everyone wants to win, it's human nature. Otherwise, what's the point?

But there is a way of losing. A way that earns you respect from your peers, no matter how much you are hurting from a defeat.

Jose Mourinho does not possess this trait. He is the epitome of a bad loser.

His press conference following Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge was nothing short of a disgrace.

In "congratulating" referee Mike Dean, the Portuguese showed utter contempt for the official. Everyone could see that but the Football Association won't throw the book at him because sarcasm is not an offence.

Mourinho was sneaky, making sure his meaning was understood without the possibility of sanction.

Equally as appalling was the behaviour of Blues assistant Rui Faria, who needed to be physically restrained by Mourinho in his attempts to get to Riley in the aftermath of a penalty decision that went against the hosts.

Mourinho isn't used to losing and when it happens he doesn't know how to deal with it in the way of mature human being. In his world, it's always somebody else's fault.

By way of complete contrast, I give you Chinese snooker player Ding Junhui. Here you have the perfect example of a good loser or, better put, somebody who is gracious in defeat.

Totally different environments but the same principle.

Ding, one of the favourites to be crowned world champion at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, lost in the first round to virtual unknown Michael Wasley.

Yet Ding, rather than sulk at having seen his dream shattered, shook his opponent's hand and offered words of genuine encouragement.

Mourinho, and those who look up to him, could learn a thing or two from that show of grace.