Fenerbahce hit back at Galatasaray boss after heated clash with Jose Mourinho

Fenerbahce have released a statement strongly criticising Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk following his altercation with Jose Mourinho.

The incident occurred at the end of a tense clash between the two Turkish giants, when former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Mourinho appeared to grab Buruk by the nose.

The controversial moment has put Mourinho at risk of facing a lengthy suspension.

Galatasaray vice president Metin Ozturk has already warned that an internal punishment for Mourinho could be forthcoming.

However, in response, Fenerbahce have turned their attention to Buruk, taking direct aim at the Galatasaray boss in their official statement.

“This was a planned provocation [by Buruk] and as part of this plan the individual acted as if he had been ‘shot’ and fell to the ground in a professional manner, and his disrespectful words and actions are documented on video,” Fenerbahce said, per BBC Sport.

“The absurdity of someone who is touched on the nose immediately throwing himself to the ground and writhing for seconds is clear to the public. It is evident that this individual’s tendency to fall to the ground, seen during his playing days, continues in his coaching career, showing that this behaviour is a characteristic attitude.”

Buruk, who became Galatasaray’s manager in 2022, enjoyed two spells at the club as a player—the first lasting a decade. He was also part of the Turkey squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.

Earlier, Galatasaray’s Ozturk did not hold back in his criticism of Mourinho.

“Our manager Okan and Mourinho congratulated the referees. After that, while Okan was continuing, Mourinho first verbally and then physically attacked him,” he said.

“Where else in the world can he do this? What does he think of Turkey? I believe that Fenerbahce’s management will impose the necessary sanction before the federation does.”

Galatasaray secured a 2-1 victory in the quarter-final at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, with Victor Osimhen scoring both goals.

They also hold a six-point lead over Fenerbahce at the top of the Süper Lig, though their rivals have a game in hand.