Galatasaray have announced their intention to initiate criminal proceedings against Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, alleging he made “racist statements” following Monday’s 0-0 draw in the Istanbul derby. The club also plans to file complaints with UEFA and FIFA.
Galatasaray’s statement did not specify which of Mourinho’s comments were deemed racist. However, in his post-match press conference, Mourinho criticized the Galatasaray bench’s reaction, saying they were “jumping like monkeys,” and reiterated his previous criticisms of Turkish referees. He stated that with a Turkish referee, a “yellow card after one minute” would likely be issued and said that having a Turkish referee as fourth official “would be a disaster.”
Monday’s match was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, following a joint request from both clubs for a foreign official.
Türkiye’de çalışmaya başladığından beri düzenli olarak Türk insanını aşağılayıcı sözler sarf eden Fenerbahçe Teknik Direktörü Jose Mourinho, bugün ahlak dışı ifadelerine insanlık dışı söylemleri de eklemiştir.
Jose Mourinho hakkında bu ırkçı söylemleri nedeniyle savcılığa suç… pic.twitter.com/wwwoE9zrHD
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) February 24, 2025
Galatasaray’s statement read, in part: “Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people. Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric… 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.” The club also stated they would “diligently observe” Fenerbahce’s response.
Mourinho, 62, a two-time Champions League winner, was appointed Fenerbahce manager last summer. He has previously been sanctioned for criticizing refereeing standards in Turkey and had described the environment in the country as “toxic” before Monday’s match. He welcomed the usage of foreign referee, referring to image.
Neither Mourinho nor Fenerbahce have yet responded publicly to Galatasaray’s accusations.
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