Fenerbahce to launch legal action against Galatasaray after ‘disgusting’ Jose Mourinho racism claim – as they accuse rivals of ‘manipulating’ the Portuguese manager’s words
Fenerbahce are set to launch legal action after bitter rivals Galatasaray accused their manager Jose Mourinho of racism.
In an exclusively interview with Mail Sport, the Turkish club’s vice president Acun Ilicali has disclosed that Fenerbahce have held extensive talks with their lawyers following a night of chaos as the two clubs fought out a goalless draw on Monday night.
The events of the night ended with former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho accused of racial discrimination by Galatasaray.
Mourinho, made comments about the Galatasaray bench ‘jumping like monkeys’ after an early challenge, and the match being better because it was not officiated by a Turkish referee, with Slovenian Slavko Vincic having overseen it.
Galatasaray in response released a statement formally announcing both criminal proceedings as well as official complaints to UEFA and FIFA regarding Mourinho’s remarks.
Since then, footage of Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk jumping up and down on the touchline during the game has emerged.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was accused of racism by Galatasaray after Monday’s goalless draw
Mourinho accused Galatasaray’s bench of ‘jumping like monkeys’ after an early challenge
Fenerbahce vice-president Acun Ilicali (pictured) has said his club are looking at taking legal action against Galatasaray over their ‘disgusting’ accusation
And Ilicali has staunchly defended Mourinho and revealed Fenerbahce have spoken to their lawyers about the issue.
‘We are more than 110 percent sure his aim was not to be racist,’ Ilicali told Mail Sport.
‘The history of his life he has always had very good relations with people all over the world, of different nationalities.
‘It is so clearly understandable. It’s an insult to the intelligence of some people.
‘They tired to manipulate Jose’s description and at the end of the day we have seen a fake and theatrical approach from Galatasaray’s side.
‘When he said they are jumping like monkeys, he was describing the movement which is clearly understandable because the footage is now public.
‘He was just describing, like saying “you are running like a rabbit”, or “you are bad like a snake”.
‘We use animals when describing with some exaggeration in life and it is as simple as that.’
Asked whether the club would take action against Galatasaray, Ilicali answered: ‘We will go to court against Galatasaray for blaming our coach because this is a very disgusting accusation.
Ilicali also confirmed Fenerbahce had held talks with their lawyers on Tuesday.
Footage has emerged of Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk (pictured) jumping up and down but Galatasaray are still furious with Mourinho for his comments
Galatasaray’s statement, which was accompanied by the words ‘say no to racism’, read: ‘Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people.
‘Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric.
‘We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA.
‘Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce – an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’ – in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.’
