In a highly charged Turkish Cup quarter-final on April 2, 2025, Fenerbahçe’s manager, José Mourinho, became the center of controversy following his team’s 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Galatasaray. The match, held at Fenerbahçe’s Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, concluded with a dramatic incident where Mourinho approached Galatasaray’s coach, Okan Buruk, and grabbed his nose, causing Buruk to theatrically fall to the ground.
Match Overview
Galatasaray secured their victory with two first-half goals from Victor Osimhen. Fenerbahçe’s Sebastian Szymański managed to score in the 27th minute, but the home team couldn’t find an equalizer. The match was marred by escalating tensions, culminating in a stoppage-time brawl that resulted in three red cards—one for Fenerbahçe’s Mert Hakan Yandaş and two for Galatasaray’s Kerem Demirbay and Barış Yılmaz.
Post-Match Altercation
The on-field tensions spilled over after the final whistle when Mourinho confronted Buruk, grabbing his nose in a move reminiscent of his 2011 eye-poke incident involving then-Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova. This act led to further chaos, necessitating police intervention to separate the involved parties.
Reactions and Consequences
Galatasaray responded to the incident by mocking Mourinho on social media, highlighting the growing animosity between the two clubs. This event adds to Mourinho’s recent disciplinary issues; in February, he received a suspension for making racially insensitive remarks and criticizing Turkish football. Observers anticipate that Turkish football authorities will review the incident, potentially leading to further disciplinary action against Mourinho.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, known as the Intercontinental Derby, has a history of intense and sometimes controversial incidents. Mourinho’s recent actions contribute to this legacy, drawing parallels to past events that have fueled the fierce competition between the two Istanbul giants.
As the Turkish football community awaits the official response from governing bodies, this incident underscores the passionate and sometimes volatile nature of one of football’s most storied rivalries.
