Fenerbahce Manager Faces Suspension and Hefty Fine Following Galatasaray Clash
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has been banned for four matches and fined £35,194 by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for his comments following the intense Istanbul derby against Galatasaray on Monday.
Mourinho, who was appointed Fenerbahce manager in June 2024, was accused of making racist statements by Galatasaray officials after the heated 0-0 draw. However, Fenerbahce released a statement claiming his words were taken out of context.
Mourinho’s Criticism of Turkish Referees Sparks Controversy
The highly anticipated match was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, following requests from both clubs for a foreign referee. However, the fourth official was Turkish, which led to Mourinho’s post-match criticism of Turkish referees.
During his press conference, the Portuguese coach revealed that he entered the referee’s dressing room after the game, telling the fourth official:
“If you were a referee, this match would be a disaster.”
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced on Thursday that Mourinho would face disciplinary action for two separate offenses.
Jose Mourinho’s Punishment Explained
The TFF’s disciplinary committee cited Mourinho for:
- “Derogatory and offensive statements towards the Turkish referee.”
- “Accusing Turkish football of chaos and disorder with insulting remarks towards referees and the football community.”
As a result, Mourinho has been:
- Banned for two matches from the dressing room and dugout.
- Fined 117,000 Turkish lira (£2,543).
- Given an additional two-match suspension for unsportsmanlike behavior.
- Fined £32,651 for his press conference remarks.
Mourinho’s Controversial Statements
One of the most debated comments made by Mourinho was:
“After the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on top of the kid… with a Turkish referee, you would have a yellow card after one minute, and after five minutes, I would have to substitute him.”
The TFF disciplinary committee ruled that Mourinho’s words were against the ethics of sports, could incite violence, and promote disorder among fans. His statements were deemed divisive and contrary to fair play.
Fenerbahce to Appeal Mourinho’s Ban
Fenerbahce officials have confirmed that they will appeal the decision, seeking a reduction or overturn of Mourinho’s suspension and fines.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager remains a polarizing figure in Turkish football, and his ban could impact Fenerbahce’s upcoming matches as they continue their pursuit of the Super Lig title.
