Jose Mourinho grabs nose of Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk in altercation after cup derby - 'Physically attacked him'
Published 02/04/2025 at 23:57 GMT+1
Galatasaray knocked Fenerbahce out of the Turkish Cup on Wednesday night, but the major drama came after the final whistle. Jose Mourinho, already at the centre of several controversies since his move to Turkey, was accused of 'physically attacking' Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk, who fell to the ground after appearing to have his nose pinched by Mourinho.
‘Messi and a double Ronaldo?’ – TNT Sports panel debate all-time top UCL forwards
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jose Mourinho appeared to grab the nose of Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk after Fenerbahce were beaten by their Istanbul rivals in the Turkish Cup.
Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho approached Buruk after the final whistle, and the latter fell to the ground clutching his face following the incident.
Galatasaray have since accused Mourinho of 'physically attacking' their manager.
"Our manager Okan and Mourinho congratulated the referees. After that, while Okan was continuing, Mourinho first verbally and then physically attacked him," Galatasaray's vice-president Metin Ozturk said.
"Where else in the world can he do this? What does he think of Turkey?
"I believe that Fenerbahce's management will impose the necessary sanction before the federation does."
Buruk, however, looked to defuse the situation in his post-match press conference.
"There was nothing between me and Mourinho," he said. "He pinched my nose from behind. There was a slight scratch. Of course, it wasn't a very nice or elegant thing to do.
"We expect managers to behave more appropriately in such situations. I won't exaggerate this issue, but it wasn't a classy move."
Victor Osimhen's brace had given Galatasaray a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce in a typically fiery encounter at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are locks - but who joins them in the ultimate UEFA Champions League front three?
- Ange Postecoglou 'not disrespected' by Mauricio Pochettino Tottenham return comments - 'Hope it happens for him'
It is not the first time Mourinho has been involved in a controversy in Turkey. Galatasaray claimed they would "initiate criminal proceedings", accusing Mourinho of making racist remarks after a Super Lig clash between the two teams in February.
The Portuguese has also been fined by the Turkish Football Federation and served a four-game ban for "derogatory and offensive statements" towards a referee.
Fenerbahce have yet to comment on the incident involving Mourinho and Buruk.
Watch and stream Premier League and UEFA Champions League football live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?