Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho has been suspended for four matches and fined 1.6 million Turkish lira ($44,000) by the Turkish Football Federation for his remarks about local referees following a heated Super Lig clash against Galatasaray.
The Portuguese coach, 62, criticized Turkish officials in a post-match press conference, contrasting them with Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, whom he praised.
Mourinho claimed that if a Turkish referee had officiated, the game would have been a “disaster.” He also made controversial remarks about the opposing bench’s behavior.
The federation deemed his statements derogatory and disruptive, citing violations of sports ethics. Mourinho has already served one game of the suspension, missing Fenerbahçe’s Turkish Cup victory over Gaziantep. The club has appealed the decision.
Fenerbahçe defended Mourinho, insisting his comments were misrepresented. Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Didier Drogba voiced support, stating Mourinho is not a racist and that history proves it.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
