Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has been suspended for three matches in the Turkish Super Lig after a controversial moment in Tuesday night’s Turkish Cup derby against Galatasaray. The Portuguese manager made headlines when he pinched the nose of his Galatasaray counterpart, Okan Buruk, amid post-match chaos on the pitch.
The incident occurred after a tense 2-1 defeat for Fenerbahce in what was already a high-stakes clash between two of Turkey’s biggest football clubs. Known for its heated atmosphere, the derby lived up to its reputation—not just during the 90 minutes but also in the aftermath.
Tempers Flare After Final Whistle
Following the conclusion of the match, tempers boiled over as players and coaches from both sides became involved in a confrontation on the field. While the match had been physical, it was the scenes after the whistle that drew the most scrutiny.
Mourinho was seen walking toward Buruk in the middle of the pitch and, during the heated exchange, pinched the Galatasaray manager’s nose. In reaction, Buruk fell to the ground, holding his face and appearing to be in pain. The moment took place while tensions were already running high, with several individuals surrounding them as arguments and scuffles broke out.
The confrontation between the managers was just one part of a broader breakdown in order. The atmosphere quickly descended into chaos as both sets of players and coaching staff got involved in pushing and shouting, turning the pitch into a scene of turmoil.
Eight Suspensions Following Violent Derby Fallout
After reviewing the events that unfolded during and after the match, the Turkish football authorities issued disciplinary measures. In total, eight suspensions were handed out as punishment for the incidents.
Among those punished were four players who received red cards after the full-time whistle. Fenerbahce midfielders Fred and Mert Hakan Yandas were sent off, along with Galatasaray’s Kerem Demirbay and Baris Alper Yilmaz. These red cards were issued not during the match but in the aftermath, signaling the extent of the disorder that erupted once the final whistle blew.
Fenerbahce received the majority of the disciplinary sanctions, with six individuals, including Mourinho, facing suspension. Galatasaray, on the other hand, saw two of their personnel sanctioned. The governing body’s decision underscores the seriousness of the altercation and its commitment to curbing unsportsmanlike behavior on and off the pitch.
