Fenerbahce head coach, Jose Mourinho, has been hit with a four-match ban and a fine exceeding £35,000 for remarks made about the refereeing team during a heated derby against Galatasaray.
The Portuguese manager stirred controversy when he criticized the match officials post-game, stating that the game was better officiated because it wasn’t overseen by a Turkish referee. He also made comments about the Galatasaray bench “jumping like monkeys,” which led to accusations of racism from the Istanbul club.
Following Galatasaray’s complaints to UEFA and FIFA, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has now announced Mourinho’s punishment.
Breakdown of Mourinho’s Ban and Fine:
- Two-match ban for making derogatory comments to the match officials.
- Additional two-match ban for post-match press conference remarks, deemed unsportsmanlike and inflammatory.
- Total fine of £35,000+, including £2,542 for remarks directed at referees and £32,602 for statements that allegedly encouraged violence and disorder.
Fenerbahce has since vowed to take legal action against what they describe as “defamatory” claims by Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Mourinho’s staff members were also fined, and Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk received a one-match ban for calling Mourinho “the crying one.”
Additionally, Galatasaray was sanctioned for their social media response, fined £65,000, and ordered to play a home game without a section of fans. Fenerbahce will also play two away matches without traveling support due to fan-related incidents.
This latest controversy adds to Mourinho’s long history of touchline bans, as his tenure in Turkish football begins with a stormy start.
