Fenerbahce`s coach, Jose Mourinho, caused a stir when he grabbed the nose of Galatasaray`s head coach, Okan Buruk, after Fenerbahce lost to their rivals in the Turkish Cup. Galatasaray won the game 2-1, with two goals from former Napoli player Victor Osimhen.
Tensions rose towards the end of the match, played at Fenerbahce`s home ground. Mourinho approached Buruk and touched his nose in a gesture that sparked immediate reaction.
Okan Buruk fell to the ground, seemingly exaggerating Mourinho`s action, while Mourinho quickly went to the dressing room. Mourinho, known for managing top European teams like Chelsea and Inter, joined Fenerbahce in the summer of 2024 after leaving AS Roma earlier that year. Since arriving in Turkey, Mourinho has been outspoken and engaged in rivalries, including a recent dispute with Galatasaray where he was accused of racism for comments made during a press conference.
The rivalry between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray has intensified this season with Mourinho`s arrival. He has often criticized the Turkish league`s management and accused Galatasaray of corruption. With Galatasaray leading the league by six points, tensions were high, especially when a foreign referee was appointed for the recent derby match, which was heavily policed.
This isn`t the first time Mourinho has been involved in such incidents. In 2011, while managing Real Madrid, he was involved in an altercation with Tito Vilanova, then assistant coach at Barcelona, during a Super Cup match. Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye, leading to suspensions for both, which were later controversially lifted.
It is now uncertain what punishment Mourinho will receive, but reports suggest he might face a ban of up to four games.
