In a dramatic turn of events during the Turkish Cup quarter-finals, José Mourinho found himself at the center of controversy once again after an altercation with Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk. The incident unfolded following Fenerbahçe's 2-1 defeat to their Istanbul rivals on April 2, 2025, at Fenerbahçe's home stadium. As tensions flared in the aftermath of the match, Mourinho appeared to pinch Buruk's nose from behind, leading to a significant uproar.
The match itself was a fiery affair, marked by aggressive play and heated exchanges, culminating in three red cards being issued by referee Cihan Aydin. Galatasaray took an early lead thanks to two goals from Victor Osimhen, before Fenerbahçe's Sebastian Szymanski pulled one back just before halftime. However, the on-field drama was overshadowed by the post-match incident involving the two coaches.
Buruk recounted the moment, stating, "He squeezed my nose from behind while I was going on. There was a slight scratch. Of course, it’s not a very nice and stylish thing." His words echoed the sentiment of many in the Turkish football community, who viewed the incident as a troubling reflection on Mourinho's conduct.
Galatasaray's vice president, Metin Öztürk, was particularly vocal in his condemnation, labeling the act as not just an attack on Buruk but on Turkish football as a whole. "This latest incident is not only an attack on Galatasaray’s coach but also on Turkish football. This is Mourinho; I don’t know where he gets this courage," he expressed. "Where in the world can he do this? Where does he think Turkey is?"
The altercation comes on the heels of previous controversies involving Mourinho, including accusations of racism made by Galatasaray earlier in 2025. After a match in February, Mourinho faced backlash for his comments regarding the Galatasaray bench, which he described as "jumping around like monkeys." This led to a suspension for Mourinho, which was later reduced after he launched a lawsuit against Galatasaray for what he claimed was an infringement of his personal rights.
While the match itself was a showcase of fierce rivalry, the aftermath has drawn attention to Mourinho's contentious history in football. Known for his fiery temperament, Mourinho's past includes a notorious incident in 2011 when he poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a heated El Clásico.
As the dust settles on this latest episode, the implications for Mourinho remain uncertain. He did not attend the post-match press conference, leaving many to speculate on the potential repercussions from both his club and the Turkish Football Association. The incident has sparked discussions about the standards of conduct expected from managers in high-stakes matches.
In the wake of the victory, Galatasaray took to social media to mock Mourinho, posting an image of Buruk smiling in his direction, accompanied by the message, "YOU SHOULD NOT ATTACK, YOU SHOULD DIGEST!" This playful jab highlights the intense rivalry that exists between the two clubs and the ongoing saga surrounding Mourinho's controversial tenure in Turkey.
With Fenerbahçe currently sitting six points behind Galatasaray in the league standings, the pressure is mounting on Mourinho to deliver results. The loss in the Turkish Cup not only eliminates his team from contention for silverware but also adds to the scrutiny surrounding his leadership. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mourinho and whether he can navigate the storm of criticism and controversy that seems to follow him wherever he goes.
As for Galatasaray, the victory serves as a significant boost, reinforcing their position at the top of the league and delivering a strong message to their rivals. With their next match on the horizon, the team will look to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of domestic glory.
In conclusion, the incident between Mourinho and Buruk is a stark reminder of the high stakes and intense emotions that characterize Turkish football. As the narrative unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how this latest chapter in Mourinho's storied career plays out.
