Galatasaray accuses Mourinho of racism over “monkey” remarks

Galatasaray announced plans to file a complaint with UEFA and FIFA against Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho over accusations of “racism.”

In a statement issued by the Galatasaray, it was noted: “Since arriving in Türkiye, Fenerbahce’s head coach Jose Mourinho has consistently made derogatory remarks about Turkish people. Today, he escalated his offensive comments to an inhumane level. We will file a criminal complaint against Mourinho for his racist remarks and submit a formal complaint to UEFA and FIFA.

“Additionally, we will monitor the response of our ‘moral champion’ rival’s head coach closely,” said the statement referring Fenerbahce.

‘Jumping like monkeys’

During a press conference following the derby with Galatasaray, Mourinho made the inflammatory remark, “Everyone on the other bench was jumping like monkeys.”

Mourinho alleged that Galatasaray attempted to pressure the referee into showing a card to Fenerbahce’s young defender Yusuf Akcicek early in the match. He commented, “I have to thank the referee because, in that situation, everyone on the other bench was jumping like monkeys.”

#SayNoToRacism ❗️ https://t.co/IiyB1AqAQD

— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) February 24, 2025

‘The Crying One’

Meanwhile, Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk also made remarks during the post-match press conference following the derby, noting the extended duration of Fenerbahce Head Coach Jose Mourinho’s press conference. Buruk said, “The Crying One’s speech was a bit long. You know, he’s famous for crying. He cried for a long time here. He cried inside, went to the referee’s room and cried there, too. Let him keep crying.”

On Monday, Galatasaray hosted Fenerbahce at RAMS Park in a highly anticipated derby. The match ended in a goalless draw, with both teams failing to score. Despite the draw, Galatasaray maintained their 6-point lead over their fierce rivals.