Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho has been handed a three-match ban and fined approximately £6,000 by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following an altercation with Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk during a Turkish Cup quarter-final match.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, after Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. In the aftermath of a heated match that saw multiple players sent off during stoppage time, tensions escalated further. As the final whistle blew, Mourinho approached Buruk and pinched his nose, prompting Buruk to fall to the ground, clutching his face.
Disciplinary Actions
The TFF’s disciplinary committee reviewed the incident and imposed a three-match suspension on Mourinho, prohibiting him from entering the dressing room and the bench for Fenerbahçe’s upcoming official matches against Trabzonspor, Sivasspor, and Kayserispor. Additionally, Mourinho was fined 292,500 Turkish Lira (approximately £6,000) for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Reactions and Controversy
The disciplinary measures have sparked debate within the Turkish football community. Some critics argue that the punishment is lenient, pointing to TFF regulations that stipulate a penalty of five to ten matches for such offenses. This has led to accusations of favoritism towards Fenerbahçe, the only club supporting the current TFF administration. Clubs like Trabzonspor, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Başakşehir have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging unequal treatment and a lack of transparency.
Fenerbahçe has defended Mourinho, suggesting that Buruk’s reaction was exaggerated and reminiscent of his playing days, where he was known for diving. The club implied that Buruk’s theatrical fall was an attempt to provoke a harsher penalty for Mourinho.
Historical Context
This incident adds to a series of controversies involving Mourinho since his appointment at Fenerbahçe. In November 2024, he received a one-match suspension for criticizing the Süper Lig, describing it as “too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.” Later, in February 2025, Mourinho faced a four-match ban (later reduced) and a £35,000 fine for comments perceived as racist towards Turkish referees.
Impact on Fenerbahçe
Mourinho’s suspension comes at a critical juncture for Fenerbahçe, who are currently second in the Süper Lig, trailing leaders Galatasaray by six points with a game in hand. The absence of their head coach during pivotal matches could influence their pursuit of the league title.
As the situation unfolds, the Turkish football community remains divided over the incident and its repercussions, highlighting the intense rivalries and passionate discourse that characterize the nation’s football culture.
