Turkish league leaders, Galatasaray have accused Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho of making “racist statements” against Turkish people and announced plans to take legal action against him.
The club also intends to file complaints with UEFA and FIFA over what they described as “derogatory” remarks made after Monday’s goalless draw between the two rival teams.
Following the match, Mourinho, who has previously managed clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Real Madrid, made comments about Galatasaray’s bench, stating they were “jumping like monkeys” in reaction to an early challenge.
Additionally, he expressed relief that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic officiated the game, claiming it would have been a “disaster” if a Turkish official had been in charge.
Vincic, who officiated last season’s Champions League final, was brought in by the Turkish Football Federation due to ongoing controversies surrounding refereeing decisions in the league.
Galatasaray Condemns Mourinho’s Remarks
In a strongly worded statement titled “Say No to Racism”, Galatasaray denounced Mourinho’s comments and vowed to pursue legal action.
“Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people. Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric.
“We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA.
“Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce – an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’ – in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.”
Mourinho’s Previous Controversies in Turkey
This is not the first time Mourinho has faced disciplinary action since arriving in Turkey.
Earlier this season, he was handed a one-match ban and fined nearly £15,000 after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor.
The Turkish Football Federation charged him with “unsportsmanlike behaviour towards opposing team fans” and for “diminishing the value of Turkish football and… discrediting the impartiality of the referees and other match officials” due to his post-match comments.
With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on how UEFA, FIFA, and Fenerbahce will respond to Galatasaray’s accusations.
