Fenerbahce manager fined £6,000 after altercation with Galatasaray’s Okan Buruk following heated cup clash.
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has been suspended for three matches and fined approximately £6,000 ($7,734) by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following an altercation with Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk during a fiery Istanbul derby.
The incident occurred at the end of Wednesday’s Turkish Cup quarterfinal, where Mourinho’s side suffered a 2-1 home defeat. Tensions flared after the final whistle, with players from both teams involved in a mass scuffle that saw three players sent off—two from Galatasaray. Amid the chaos, Mourinho was seen grabbing Buruk’s nose, prompting the Galatasaray boss to fall dramatically to the ground.
In a statement released on Saturday, the TFF announced that Mourinho would be banned from the dressing room and the touchline for three official matches. As a result, the Portuguese manager will miss Fenerbahce’s upcoming league fixtures against Trabzonspor, Sivasspor, and Kayserispor.
Currently, Fenerbahce sit second in the Turkish Super Lig, six points behind league leaders Galatasaray but with a game in hand. The suspension deals a blow to Mourinho’s side as they push to close the gap in the title race.
The incident has added another controversial chapter to Mourinho’s storied career, known for his fiery touchline antics. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Istanbul’s two biggest clubs continues to intensify both on and off the pitch.
Fenerbahce have yet to comment on whether they will appeal the decision.
Mourinho Handed Three-Match Ban for Nose-Grabbing Incident in Istanbul Derby
