Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho has received a three-match suspension and a fine after an altercation with Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk in the aftermath of a fiery Turkish Cup clash.
The incident occurred at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Wednesday, shortly after Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory. Footage shows Mourinho approaching Buruk from behind and appearing to pinch his nose, prompting the Galatasaray coach to dramatically fall to the ground holding his face.
The Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) described the action as “provoked” by Buruk’s alleged gestures and behavior. While Mourinho was fined 292,500 Turkish Lira (around £5,955), the board confirmed that the ban was reduced due to Buruk’s conduct.
Galatasaray described Mourinho’s action as a “physical attack”, while Fenerbahce accused Buruk of theatrics, claiming he “acted as if he had been shot” and made “disrespectful hand gestures” toward Mourinho.
Tensions escalated further when Mourinho’s assistant, Salvatore Foti, received a four-match ban for insulting a Galatasaray player. Additionally, Fenerbahce’s Mert Yandas and Galatasaray substitutes Kerem Demirbay and Baris Yilmaz were all sent off after a bench-clearing melee during stoppage time. Yandas has since been handed a one-match suspension.
This incident is the latest in a series of heated exchanges between the two Istanbul rivals. In February, Galatasaray threatened legal action against Mourinho, accusing him of racist remarks. However, Fenerbahce stated on Friday that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had dismissed those claims.
Mourinho, who took over at Fenerbahce in June, now faces a crucial run of games from the stands, as his team chases domestic glory amid a storm of controversy.
