Fenerbahçe Defends Mourinho Nose-Pinch
Fenerbahçe has stood firmly behind head coach José Mourinho following a heated post-match altercation with Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk. In a statement issued today, Fenerbahçe defends Mourinho nose-pinch, following an incident that erupted after their Turkish Cup quarterfinal clash on Wednesday.
Okan Buruk’s Nose!
The tense encounter, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Galatasaray, culminated in a chaotic scene at full-time. Mourinho was caught on camera appearing to pinch Buruk’s nose amid a melee sparked by players on the field.
The Fenerbahçe Nose Statement
According to an official statement released by Fenerbahçe, Buruk allegedly instigated the conflict by approaching Mourinho—who was speaking with match officials—under the guise of a handshake. The club claims Buruk then used inflammatory gestures and language, even making what they called a “disrespectful hand sign” after passing a police barrier.
Buruk, who fell to the ground clutching his face after the incident, described the moment with mild disdain: “He pinched my nose from behind as I was walking past. It caused a small scratch. I won’t dramatize it, but it certainly wasn’t classy.”
Fenerbahçe, however, believes Buruk’s reaction was performative.
“Our coach merely made brief contact with his nose in response to clear provocation,” the club said. “What followed—a dramatic fall and exaggerated theatrics—is familiar behavior. This tendency to overreact is something we’ve seen from him even during his playing career.”
Mourinho’s Controversies
The incident adds to Mourinho’s growing list of controversies since arriving in Istanbul last summer. The 62-year-old is now likely to face disciplinary action from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for his role in the scuffle.
In defense of their manager, Fenerbahçe urged the public and authorities to consider the context. “What occurred should be assessed within a framework of cause and effect, not in isolation,” the club insisted.
Jose’s Turkish Football Attack
Galatasaray, meanwhile, views the incident as more than just a clash between two coaches. Vice President Metin Öztürk said, “This isn’t just about an attack on Okan Buruk—this is an affront to Turkish football itself. Mourinho seems to act as if he’s untouchable. Where does he think he is?”
Tensions between Mourinho and Galatasaray have been escalating. In February, he served a two-match suspension for criticizing referees after a previous showdown between the two rivals. Galatasaray also accused him of racism during that period—an accusation Mourinho has since taken legal action over.
Currently, Fenerbahçe trail Galatasaray by six points in the Super Lig but hold a game in hand as the title race intensifies.