New Delhi: Galatasaray has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, accusing him of making “racist statements” following the goalless draw between the two sides on Monday. The Turkish club also intends to file official complaints with UEFA and FIFA regarding Mourinho’s remarks.
While Galatasaray did not specify the exact comments they deemed racist but speaking after the Istanbul derby, Mourinho made controversial remarks about the opposition bench during his post-match press conference. The Portuguese coach claimed that Galatasaray’s staff were “jumping like monkeys” in reaction to an early incident which involved Fenerbahce’s 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager further criticised the standard of Turkish refereeing, suggesting that having a local official for the derby would have led to a different outcome. Mourinho said, “With a Turkish referee, you would have a yellow card after one minute, and after five minutes, I would have to change him.” The match was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, following a request from both clubs for a foreign referee.
“I told the fourth official, who is Turkish, that if a Turkish ref had refereed this match, it would have been a disaster” 🚨
Jose Mourinho criticises the standard of Turkish refereeing after Fenerbahce’s draw with Galatasaray 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/Sc68D1Jp5G
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 24, 2025
Galatasaray statement
In response to Mourinho’s statement, Galatasaray issued a strongly worded statement condemning Mourinho’s remarks. The club said, “Since taking charge in Turkey, Jose Mourinho has repeatedly made derogatory comments about Turkish people. Today, his words have gone beyond disrespectful and into inhumane rhetoric.”
They further called on Fenerbahce to take a stand against their manager’s behaviour and questioned the club’s commitment to “exemplary moral values.”
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce last summer and has had a turbulent start in Turkish football. He has also previously served a ban for his outspoken criticism of refereeing in the country for describing the footballing environment in Turkey as “toxic” and supported the decision to appoint a foreign referee for the derby. Fenerbahce and Mourinho have yet to publicly respond to Galatasaray’s accusations.
Galatasaray plans legal action against Jose Mourinho for alleged racist remarks after the Istanbul derby. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
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