Galatasaray Launches Legal Action Against Mourinho Over Alleged Racist Comments

Following a tense 0-0 draw in the Istanbul derby, Galatasaray announced their intention to pursue legal action against Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho for alleged racist remarks. Mourinho’s comments regarding the behavior of Galatasaray's bench have sparked outrage, leading to calls for accountability from both UEFA and FIFA.

Galatasaray has declared it will "initiate criminal proceedings" against Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, citing allegations of "racist statements" made in the aftermath of their recent 0-0 draw. Despite not specifying the exact remarks in question, the club noted that Mourinho's comments during a post-match press conference raised serious concerns.

In his remarks, Mourinho referenced the Galatasaray bench, stating they had been "jumping like monkeys," and continued his longstanding criticism of Turkish referees. He stressed that allowing a Turkish official to oversee the match would have constituted a "disaster." The game was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, chosen at the request of both clubs for perceived fairness.

Galatasaray is not only threatening legal action but also plans to file "official complaints" with European football's governing bodies. Their statement highlighted a history of derogatory remarks attributed to Mourinho since his arrival in Turkey, qualifying his recent rhetoric as "unequivocally inhumane."

Mourinho, a highly accomplished manager with stints at clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, took over as Fenerbahce's manager in the summer of 2023. He has previously faced disciplinary measures for his outspoken views on officiating in Turkey, including a recent ban for earlier comments.

In reaction to the criticism, Galatasaray called for Fenerbahce to take a stand, emphasizing the importance of upholding "exemplary moral values" in light of Mourinho's behavior. Mourinho also had welcomed the decision to employ a foreign referee prior to the match, voicing concerns about the "toxic" atmosphere surrounding Turkish football. Quanta.report has reached out to Fenerbahce for their official response to the allegations.