Fenerbahce Manager Jose Mourinho Suspended for Nose-Grabbing Incident with Galatasaray Manager Okan Buruk
Following a Turkish Cup match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has been handed a three-match suspension for seemingly grabbing Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk’s nose.
The incident took place at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium after Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory, as both managers were in conversation with match officials. Mourinho approached Buruk from behind and appeared to grab his nose, causing the former Turkey international to fall to the ground with his hands covering his face.
In addition to the suspension, Mourinho was fined 292,500 Turkish Lira (£5,955) for his actions. Galatasaray accused Mourinho of physically attacking Buruk, while Fenerbahce claimed that Buruk had provoked Mourinho with disrespectful gestures.
The Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) took Buruk’s actions into consideration, leading to Mourinho receiving a reduced punishment for provocation. Mourinho’s assistant, Salvatore Foti, was also suspended for four matches for insulting an opposing team player.
The match itself was marred by a brawl between the two benches during stoppage time, resulting in red cards for Fenerbahce’s Mert Yandas and Galatasaray’s Kerem Demirbay. Yandas received a one-match suspension as a result.
Prior to this incident, tensions between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray had already escalated in February when Galatasaray threatened to take legal action against Mourinho for allegedly making racist remarks after a goalless draw. However, Fenerbahce announced that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had dismissed Galatasaray’s criminal complaint against Mourinho.
