Galatasaray have accused Jose Mourinho of making racist statements and announced plans to initiate criminal proceedings against the Fenerbahçe manager over his remarks following their 0-0 draw in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday.
Mourinho’s Controversial Comments
While Galatasaray did not specify the exact remarks they found offensive, Mourinho was quoted as saying that the home side’s bench was “jumping like monkeys” and suggested that the match would have been a disaster if a Turkish referee had been in charge.
Monday’s game was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official for the high-stakes encounter.
Galatasaray’s Response
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Galatasaray claimed that Mourinho has repeatedly made derogatory remarks about Turkish people since taking charge at Fenerbahçe.
"Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric."
The club also announced plans to file complaints with UEFA and FIFA over Mourinho’s alleged racist remarks.
"We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA."
Mourinho’s Previous Clashes with Turkish Officials
Mourinho has previously faced fines and suspensions for his criticism of Turkish referees, and he once again voiced his concerns after the match.
Speaking at the post-game press conference, the Portuguese manager defended Vincic while criticizing local officials.
"I went to the referees’ dressing room after the game. Of course, the fourth official was there, a Turkish referee."
"I told Vincic, ‘Thank you for coming here because you handled a big match well.’ Then I turned to the fourth official and said, ‘If you were the referee, this match would have been a disaster.’"
Mourinho also criticized Galatasaray’s reaction to a challenge by Fenerbahçe defender Yusuf Akçiçek early in the match, implying that a Turkish referee would have shown an early booking.
"I have to thank the referee because, with a Turkish official, after the big dive in the first minute, their bench would have been jumping like monkeys on top of the kid."
"With a Turkish referee, my player would have received a yellow card after one minute, and within five minutes, I would have had to substitute him."
Possible Consequences
With Galatasaray escalating the matter to legal and governing bodies, Mourinho could face sanctions if found guilty of making racially insensitive remarks. UEFA and FIFA are expected to review the complaint, while the Turkish football authorities may also launch an internal investigation.
The controversy adds another layer of tension to Mourinho’s time in Turkey, where he has already had several high-profile clashes with referees and officials since his appointment at Fenerbahçe.