Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has embroiled himself in several controversies since taking over as the head coach of Fenerbahçe in June 2024.
He has been a fierce critic of officiating in the Turkish League, questioning the attitude of some officials and making controversial comments.
This GhanaWeb piece highlights three actions by Mourinho that have triggered controversy in Turkish football.
Criticisms of referees
Mourinho chastised Portuguese officials during their 0-0 draw against Galatasaray on February 24, 2025.
The match was refereed by Slovenian Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official take charge of the fixture.
However, Mourinho slammed Turkish referees, saying it would have been a “disaster” to use an official from the country.
In response to the comments, the Portuguese coach was handed a four-match ban and fined by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), with the 62-year-old fined 1,617,000 Turkish lira ($44,000).
Racism allegations
Mourinho accused his opponent’s bench officials of “jumping like monkeys” after Fenerbahçe’s 0-0 draw against Galatasaray in February 2025.
Galatasaray responded that they would “initiate criminal proceedings” against Mourinho, claiming he made “racist statements.”
Fenerbahçe subsequently said Mourinho’s comments had been “completely taken out of context.”
The former Manchester United manager denied the allegations.
“They [Galatasaray] were not clever in the way they attacked me, because they didn’t know my past. So, instead of going against me, I think it boomeranged and went against them,” he told Sky Sports.
The coach filed a lawsuit against Galatasaray, seeking damages worth 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (£41,000).
Physically attacking a coach
Mourinho clashed with Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk after Fenerbahçe lost 2-1 in the Turkish Cup quarter-finals on April 2, 2025.
After the match, the Portuguese manager, upset with the officiating, approached the referees to shake their hands.
Subsequently, Mourinho went on to pinch Buruk’s nose, causing the Galatasaray coach to immediately fall to the floor, triggering widespread criticism.
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