In a dramatic Turkish Cup match, Fenerbahce`s coach Jose Mourinho caused a stir by grabbing Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk`s nose. This incident occurred after Galatasaray defeated Fenerbahce 2-1, eliminating them from the cup, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice for Galatasaray.
Tensions escalated in the final moments of the game at Fenerbahce`s stadium. Mourinho approached Buruk and grabbed his nose, leading Buruk to fall to the ground, seemingly exaggerating the gesture. Mourinho quickly went to the dressing room.
Mourinho, who has a history of managing top European teams like Chelsea and Inter, joined Fenerbahce in the summer of 2024 after leaving AS Roma. Since his arrival in Turkey, he has been outspoken, engaging in verbal disputes with rival teams, including Galatasaray. Galatasaray recently considered legal action against Mourinho for alleged racist remarks he made during a press conference in February.
The rivalry between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray has intensified this season with Mourinho`s arrival. He has often criticized the Turkish league`s management and accused Galatasaray of corruption. With Galatasaray leading the league by six points, the tension was further heightened when the Turkish Football Federation assigned a foreign referee for the recent derby held at Galatasaray`s home stadium, which was heavily policed.
This is not the first time Mourinho has been involved in such incidents. In 2011, during a Spanish Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Mourinho, then Real Madrid`s coach, poked Tito Vilanova, Pep Guardiola`s assistant, in the eye. This occurred after a Real Madrid player received a red card. The Spanish FA initially banned both Mourinho and Vilanova, but these suspensions were later controversially lifted.
It is now uncertain what disciplinary actions Mourinho will face, but reports suggest he might receive a ban for up to four games.
