Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has received a three-match ban and a fine of 292,500 Turkish Lira (£5,955) for appearing to grab Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk’s nose following their Turkish Cup match on Wednesday, April 2nd. The decision was announced by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) late last week.
The incident occurred after the final whistle of Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory at Fenerbahce’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Footage showed Mourinho approaching Buruk from behind while both managers were interacting with match officials, seemingly pinching Buruk’s nose. Buruk fell to the ground holding his face.
Galatasaray subsequently accused Mourinho of a “physical attack,” while Fenerbahce countered that Buruk had “acted as if he had been shot” and provoked Mourinho with “disrespectful hand gestures.”
The PFDK stated it had considered Buruk’s actions, resulting in a reduced ban for Mourinho due to “provocation.”
Further sanctions were issued related to the fiery encounter. Mourinho’s assistant, Salvatore Foti, received a four-match ban for an “insult towards an opposing team player.” Fenerbahce substitute Mert Yandas received a one-match suspension following his red card during a stoppage-time melee involving both benches. Galatasaray substitutes Kerem Demirbay and Baris Yilmaz were also sent off during that incident.4
This latest controversy follows heightened tensions between the clubs. In February, Galatasaray threatened criminal proceedings against Mourinho over alleged “racist statements” following a league derby.5 However, Fenerbahce confirmed on Friday that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had dismissed that complaint.
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