Galatasaray Accuses Jose Mourinho of Racist Comments, Initiates Legal Action

Sports

Turkish football club Galatasaray has accused Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho of making "racist statements" following the teams’ 0-0 draw in the Super Lig. The club announced its decision to initiate criminal proceedings against Mourinho and submit formal complaints to UEFA and FIFA over his remarks.

While Galatasaray did not specify which statements it was referring to, Mourinho was heard saying that the home side’s bench had been “jumping like monkeys” and suggested that the match would have been a disaster if a Turkish referee had officiated. Monday’s game was overseen by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, as both clubs had requested a foreign official to avoid domestic officiating controversies.

Galatasaray issued a statement on X, claiming that Mourinho has "persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people" since joining the league. The club further stated, "Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric."

Mourinho, a former manager of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, has faced disciplinary action before for his comments about Turkish match officials. Following the draw, he once again criticized Turkish referees during a post-match press conference.

The controversy adds to Mourinho’s already eventful tenure in Turkish football, raising tensions in an already heated rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.