Galatasaray to Sue Mourinho Over Racist Claims

Galatasaray announced they will file criminal charges against Fenerbahçe SK’s Jose Mourinho, alleging he made racist remarks after their 0-0 draw on Monday.

While it was not clear which statements Galatasaray were referring to, Mourinho Speaking in the news conference after the Istanbul derby, said the home bench had been “jumping like monkeys” and also repeated his criticism of Turkish referees, saying it would have been a “disaster” to use an official from the country.

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The Monday’s game was refereed by Slovenian Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official take charge.

Galatasaray said on X that Mourinho had persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people since taking up his role in the league, and  they threatened to take legal action, Galatasaray said they would submit “official complaints” to football’s governing bodies.

In a statement formally released by the Turkish gaints, they confirmed that Mourinho has constantly issued derogatory statements towards Turkish citizens.

“Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahçe SK manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people. Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric.

We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA.

Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahçe SK- an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’ – in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.”

The two-time Champions League winner was appointed Fenerbahçe SK manager last summer and was previously fined and suspended for his comments about Turkish match officials. And the 62 year old was again critical of Turkish referees in a press conference after the match.

Before Monday’s game the Portuguese had welcomed the decision to use a foreign official after previously describing the environment in the country as “toxic”.

Fenerbahçe SK and Mourinho are yet to reply the accusation made by Galatasaray.