Fenerbahce’s manager, Jose Mourinho, has received a three-match ban for allegedly grabbing the nose of Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk after their Turkish Cup match.
The incident took place after the final whistle at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Wednesday, during which both managers interacted with match officials following Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory.
Mourinho approached Buruk from behind and appeared to pinch his nose, causing Buruk, a former Turkey international midfielder aged 51, to fall to the ground with his hands covering his face.
In addition to the ban, Mourinho was fined 292,500 Turkish Lira (approximately £5,955). Galatasaray accused him of “physically attacking” Buruk. In response, Fenerbahce claimed that Buruk was “acting as if he had been shot” and made “disrespectful hand gestures” to provoke Mourinho.
The Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) considered Buruk’s actions when deciding on the penalties, which led to a reduced ban for Mourinho due to “provocation.”
Mourinho’s assistant, Salvatore Foti, received a four-match ban for insulting an opposing player. Additionally, Fenerbahce substitute Mert Yandas and Galatasaray substitutes Kerem Demirbay and Baris Yilmaz were shown red cards for their involvement in a melee between the two benches during stoppage time. Yandas, who is 30 years old, has since been given a one-match suspension.
Tensions between the two clubs have already been elevated; in February, Galatasaray announced plans to initiate criminal proceedings against Mourinho, alleging that he made “racist statements” following a goalless draw. However, on Friday, Fenerbahce stated that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had dismissed Galatasaray’s criminal complaint against Mourinho.
