Istanbul, Turkey — Fenerbahçe’s head coach, José Mourinho, has found himself at the center of controversy following a heated altercation with Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, after their intense derby showdown.
The incident occurred at the final whistle when both coaches gathered around the match officials at the center of the pitch. Reports suggest Mourinho approached Buruk from behind and unexpectedly grabbed his nose, causing the Galatasaray boss to stumble and clutch his face in apparent discomfort.
Reacting to the incident, Metin Öztürk, Galatasaray’s vice president, expressed hope that Fenerbahçe’s management would take disciplinary action against Mourinho. He questioned the appropriateness of such behavior in professional football.
Despite the controversy, Buruk downplayed the altercation, stating that there was no lingering animosity between him and Mourinho. However, he acknowledged that such conduct was unprofessional and urged coaches to uphold better standards of behavior.
This confrontation comes just weeks after Galatasaray accused Mourinho of making a racist remark during a previous encounter between the two clubs. The club had threatened legal action, but Mourinho strongly refuted the allegations, stating that he stands against racism in all forms.
In response, Mourinho launched a lawsuit against Galatasaray, demanding 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (approximately £41,000) in damages. He claimed the club had tarnished his reputation by falsely accusing him of racism during their fiercely contested goalless draw.
As tensions continue to rise between the two Turkish giants, all eyes will be on how Fenerbahçe’s management handles the latest controversy surrounding their outspoken manager.
By Enoch Odesola | April 3, 2025
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