Galatasaray have accused Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho of making “racist statements” following a tense 0-0 draw between the two fierce Istanbul rivals.
The club did not specify the exact comments they were referring to, and Mourinho has yet to respond publicly to the allegation. However, during his post-match remarks on Monday, the Portuguese coach stated that the Galatasaray bench had been “jumping like monkeys.” He also reiterated his criticism of Turkish referees.
The high-profile Super Lig clash was officiated by Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic, reportedly selected after both clubs requested a foreign referee for the match.
Fenerbahce Defend Mourinho, Deny Racism Allegations
Fenerbahce, currently second in the league, six points behind leaders Galatasaray, quickly defended their manager, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that Mourinho’s comments were “taken out of context” and “deliberately distorted.”
The club dismissed any racist intent behind Mourinho’s words, calling the accusations “entirely malicious” and vowing to take legal action against what they described as “slander.”
Galatasaray to File Criminal Complaint Against Mourinho
In a strongly worded statement, Galatasaray announced plans to initiate criminal proceedings against the 62-year-old manager.
“Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people,” the club alleged.
“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.”
The controversy adds further fuel to the intense rivalry between Turkey’s two biggest clubs, with the fallout from Mourinho’s remarks likely to dominate headlines in the coming days.
