Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has been hit with a four-match ban and a £35,000 fine following his controversial remarks after Monday’s goalless draw against rivals Galatasaray.
The Portuguese coach sparked outrage after stating in a post-match press conference that the Galatasaray bench was “jumping like monkeys” following an early challenge.
Galatasaray swiftly announced their intention to initiate criminal proceedings against Mourinho, alleging his remarks were racist and derogatory toward Turkish people.
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On Thursday, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) confirmed sanctions against Mourinho for two separate disciplinary breaches.
The TFF stated that Mourinho entered the referees’ room and made “derogatory and offensive statements” toward the fourth official, who was Turkish.
The governing body also cited his post-match comments as “contrary to sports ethics and fair play,” with the potential to incite violence and disorder.
As a result, Mourinho received a two-match touchline ban and a £2,500 fine for his remarks against Turkish referees, along with an additional two-match ban and a £32,655 fine for his post-match comments. He will miss Fenerbahce’s upcoming league matches against Antalyaspor, Samsunspor, Bodrum, and Trabzonspor.
Fenerbahce defended their manager, stating that his comments were “taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted” and that they “in no way” amounted to racism. Meanwhile, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba came to Mourinho’s defence, describing him as a “father figure” and rejecting any racist intent.
Galatasaray currently top Fenerbahce by six points at the top of the Super Lig and could secure their 25th league title this season, adding a fifth star to their crest.
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