More stories

  • in

    ‘How can my dad be racist?’ says Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as he defends Jose Mourinho after wild Galatasaray claims

    DIDIER DROGBA has passionately defended his former boss Jose Mourinho over accusations of racism. Fenerbahce boss Mourinho is the target of legal action from rivals Galatasaray following a bad-tempered Istanbul derby on Monday.Jose Mourinho has been the subject of racism claims from GalatasarayCredit: RexThe claims were made following a fractious Istanbul derby on MondayCredit: GettyDidier Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, has come to his former boss’s defenceCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Special One guided his team to a 0-0 draw in a hostile atmosphere at RAMS Park.Fenerbahce are six points behind Galatasaray in the Super Lig title race.But a comment made by Mourinho following the game has prompted fury from the club. Mourinho accused Galatasaray’s bench of “jumping around like monkeys” while trying to get a rival player booked during his post-match press conference.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ex-Chelsea boss has been a vocal critic of officiating in Turkey throughout the season.Slovenian ref Slavko Vincic was drafted in by the Turkish FA specially for the grudge match. After the stalemate, Mourinho said: “We thank the referee because after the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid, with a Turkish referee, the kid would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change. “Thankfully it was a perfect experience for him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGalatasaray reacted furiously to the comments, with the club releasing a statement on Tuesday.It included their “intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho”.Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and won three Premier League titles, took to social media to defend his ex-boss.The Ivorian, who also played two seasons for Galatasaray, wrote a plea to his former employers. He said: “Dear@GalatasaraySK. You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!! “We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it. “I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for xx years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it. “Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions and let’s win the league to get close to our 5.”Drogba added: “How can my “Dad” be a racist? Come on guys.”Fenerbahce released their own counter-statement on Tuesday, defending Mourinho.It read: “A statement made by our technical director Jose Mourinho after the match was completely taken out of context and an attempt was made to deliberately distort it.”As every sensible person can see and understand; these statements used by Jose Mourinho to describe the excessive reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee decisions during the match can in no way be associated with racism.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Trying to portray this statement as racist is a completely malicious approach.”We would like to inform the public that we will use our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that was made in order to take the competition off the field, change the agenda and manipulate it.” More

  • in

    Fenerbahce accuse Galatasaray of ‘pathetic slander’ as huge war erupts accusing Jose Mourinho of ‘racist statements’

    FENERBAHCE accused Galatasaray of “pathetic slander” over claims Jose Mourinho made “racist statements”.Ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, claimed the Galatasaray bench “jumped around like monkeys” in a bid to get a rival booked during Monday’s 0-0 draw.Galatasaray accused Jose Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’Credit: GettyThe Portuguese was alleged to have said the match was made better by the fact it was NOT officiated by a Turkish ref, with Slovenian Slavko Vincic in charge.Galatasaray announced they intended to “initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho”, and would submit official complaints to Uefa and Fifa.Fenerbahce responded: “A statement made by Jose Mourinho after the match was taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted.“These expressions, used by Jose Mourinho to describe the extreme reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee’s decisions during the match, can in no way be associated with racism.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Trying to portray this discourse as racist is a completely malevolent approach. “We would like to inform the public that we will exercise our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that aims to take the competition out of the field, change the agenda and manipulate it.”Fenerbahce vice-president Acun Ilicali said: “As a club I can clearly say that we are behind our coach, we are supporting him 100 per cent.”Galatasaray’s statement after the game said: “Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people.Most read in Football“We 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.”Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer Mourinho praised Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was drafted in to take charge amid contorversies surrounding Turkish officials, for remaining resolute.The Portuguse, 62 – who was criticised for visiting the referee’s dressing room after the game – said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.”He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.” More

  • in

    Galatasaray accuse Jose Mourinho of making ‘racist comments’ and will file criminal complaint against Fenerbahce boss

    GALATASARAY have vowed to file a criminal complaint against Jose Mourinho amid claims he made “racist statements” after Monday’s Istanbul derby.Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side drew 0-0 away with their bitter rivals but the match was overshadowed by allegations of racism.Jose Mourinho in his post-match press conference following the Istanbul derbyCredit: GettyMonday’s huge derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce ended goallessCredit: GettyMourinho was not happy with how Galatasaray behavedCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on.He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.Galatasaray immediately hit back and accused the Portuguese manager, 62, of “regularly using derogatory words towards the Turkish people” since moving to Istanbul.In a damning statement, accompanied by a #SayNoToRacism tag, the reigning Turkish champions added: “[He] has now added inhumane rhetoric to his immoral statements.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We would like to inform you that we will file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office and that we will also file a complaint with UEFA and FIFA regarding these racist statements against Jose Mourinho.”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.”In his post-match press conference, Mourinho claimed Galatasary players had played for a draw and tried to get one of his players a yellow card.Praising Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was reportedly drafted in from abroad following a string of controversies surrounding Turkish officials, Mourinho said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.Most read in Football”He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.”However, it was his comments that followed which are believed to have caused uproar.Istanbul derby SUSPENDED as Fenerbahce fans throw flares into Galatasaray end and police forced to interveneMourinho continued: “In the situation I mentioned, everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys.”If it were a Turkish referee, they would have immediately given the card, and I would have had to take the player off in a minute.”It was a great match for him.””After the match, I went to the referee’s room. I said to the first referee, ‘Thank you for managing this big match well.’ “I said to the [Turkish] fourth official, ‘If it was you, this match would have been a disaster’. It was a very, very good match in terms of emotion and competition.”Mourinho is yet to respond to the allegations made against him. The former Man Utd boss has previously spoken out on how football is plagued by racist incidents.Fenerbahce’s supporters hurled red flares into the Galatasaray endCredit: AFPJose and opposite number Buruk enjoy a friendly handshake before kick-offCredit: GettyThe feisty derby saw seven yellow cards dished out, and the match was also stopped momentarily when Fenerbahce fans launched flares into the home fans beneath them.Some 30,000 police officers were believed to be on duty for Monday night’s match.Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen later shared his club’s statement to his Instagram story.Mourinho had previously criticised Osimhen for his on-pitch antics, labelling him a fantastic player, but claiming he “dives too much”.Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk later took aim at the “Special One” for going into the referee’s dressing room to talk to him.Buruk said: “Mourinho took a long time to cry. The Crying One… He’s famous for crying. He went into the referee’s room and cried. Let him keep crying.”Mourinho entered the referee’s room. It is very wrong for him to speak insultingly to the Turkish referee. He said that if they were the ones managing, it would be like this. “This is very wrong. I cannot believe that he is humiliating the Turkish referees so much, I condemn it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Porto, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss Mourinho took over at Fenerbahce last year. Monday’s result leaves them in second place, six points behind Galatasaray with 12 Super Lig games remaining. More

  • in

    Istanbul derby SUSPENDED as Fenerbahce fans throw flares into Galatasaray end and police forced to intervene

    GALATASARAY and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was interrupted after a raft of flares were thrown in the stands.The historic clash between the two bitter rivals had everything except goals as the two Istanbul foes played out a goalless draw at the RAMS Park.Galatasaray and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was halted in IstanbulCredit: AFPFenerbahce fans repotedly threw flares towards Galatasaray supportersCredit: ReutersThe derby was halted on 52 minutes by the refereeCredit: RexTrouble erupted despite the presence of 30,000 police officersCredit: GettyMourinho had to settle for a pointCredit: GettyTensions were sky high before kick-off as the two sets of players refused to shake hands after making their way on to the pitch.And Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic had to interrupt the clash in the 52nd minute due to crowd trouble.According to Hurriyet, Fener fans threw flares towards rival supporters.Scary scenes ensued despite the strict security measures which saw a reported 30,000 police officers on duty at the game.Read More on FootballHowever, the match was restarted after the authorities intervened and regained control.Jose Mourinho’s side were desperate for the three points to cut down the deficit with Galatasaray.And the visitors almost pulled it off on 67 minutes with the biggest chance of the match.Fenerbahce star Filip Kostic delivered a corner-kick that was met by Alexander Djiku’s header.Most read in FootballHowever, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera produced a stunning double save as he denied Djiku and then Edin Djeko who came close to scoring from the rebound.Mourinho’s men, who will face Rangers in the Europa League’s last 16, are now in second place with six points separating them from the top.Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray are now favourites to win a third successive Super Lig title. More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho gets huge pre-derby win after Champions League final ref is airlifted in for title clash with rivals

    A CHAMPIONS League final referee has been airlifted in for Fenerbahce’s derby clash against Galatasaray.Jose Mourinho will be thrilled with the decision for Slavko Vincic to be given control of the potential title decider.Jose Mourinho will be happy with the referee appointment for Fenerbahce’s next gameCredit: ReutersSlavko Vincic has been airlifted in for the derby game against GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese manager has made no secret of his disgruntlement with the level of officiating in the Turkish Super Lig.The arrival of the Slovenian referee should be a relief to Mourinho as he officiated last season’s Champions League final.The referee is deemed a complete outsider to the context of the match.It is not the first time a foreign referee has been brought in for a one-off game in Turkey.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast year, the VAR was often manned by referees from abroad for Super Lig matches.The match between the fierce rivals is TONIGHT at Galatasaray’s RAMS Park stadium.Mourinho will be desperate for his side to win in order to close the gap to their rivals to just three points at the top of the table.He will also be hoping that there are no controversial decisions called against his team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has addressed the appointment of Vincic ahead of the match.He said: “He’s a top European referee.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionMourinho put a laptop in front of a TV camera after disagreeing with one decision”That’s important for the credibility, for the image of this match.”I’m happy.”The former Premier League manager has often called out decisions after games in classic theatrical fashion.In one rant, he exploded and accused a referee of “drinking Turkish tea” and NAPPING during a match.It came after VAR failed to award Fenerbahce a penalty for a blatant handball against Trabzonspor.He was booked in September for putting his laptop in front of a TV camera to highlight a wrong decision as his side beat Antalyaspor 2-0.Mourinho believes that decisions against his team have cost them up to 15 points across the season.He said: “Normally, we should be eight or nine points ahead.”Mourinho’s gripes have not solely been in the domestic game as he was sent off in the Europa League clash against former club Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was incensed after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.His post-match rant saw him “congratulate” referee Clement Turpin for being able to see him on the touchline and the incident at the same time.Mourinho was sent off against Manchester United in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho braced for epic revenge tour with Fenerbahce to face THREE former clubs including Man Utd in Europa League

    TAKE THAT, Fleetwood Mac, The Stone Roses, The Eagles and Spice Girls have enjoyed some of the biggest comeback tours ever seen.While fans across the globe can’t wait for Oasis’ big return in the summer.Jose Mourinho could be set to embark on a huge comeback tour against three of his old clubsCredit: AFPIf Fenerbahce make the quarter-finals they could face RomaCredit: GettyA semi-final showdown could see Mourinho face Man Utd againCredit: EPAWhile making it to the final could lead to the biggest grudge match of all against TottenhamCredit: AlamyHowever, it’s Bananarama superfan Jose Mourinho’s own reunion tour this spring that may be the most exciting of the bunch.That’s as the Portuguese boss braces himself for returns to the scenes of all his most recent acrimonious departures in the Europa League knockouts.Mourinho is now the boss of Turkish club Fenerbahce, and saw his side coast past Anderlecht and into the last-16 of the competition on Thursday night.Next up is Rangers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, it’s if Mourinho’s side manage to get past the Scottish giants when the fun really begins.First up could be a quarter-final against the Special One’s most recent club Roma – where he left under a cloud in January 2024.The potential fixture list gets even tastier in the semi-finals with Fenerbahce having the chance to play Manchester United.Mourinho won the Europa League with United in 2017 and finished second in the Premier League in 2017-18 – a position the club would dream of now – but was sacked just months later.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMourinho’s stunning comeback tour could then end in the final in Spain, where he may face old club Tottenham in the ultimate grudge match decider.The Portuguese tactician was famously sacked by Spurs just before the 2021 Carabao Cup final.Rangers boss Philippe Clement opens up on the challenge of facing Jose Mourinho’s FenerbahceThe North London side went on to lose that final, with Ryan Mason in interim charge, and their trophyless streak goes on to this day.It’s safe to say Mourinho hasn’t forgotten. More

  • in

    ‘I’m not Kurt Zouma’ – Jose Mourinho makes outrageous comment when asked if he prefers dogs or cats

    JOSE MOURINHO took a dig at his former player Kurt Zouma after being asked about his preference of dogs or cats.The ex-Chelsea boss was being interviewed by another old star John Obi Mikel for his Obi One podcast.Jose Mourinho made an outrageous joke referencing Kurt Zouma’s cat-kicking scandalCredit: YouTube/The Obi One PodcastZouma played under Mourinho during his second spell in charge of ChelseaCredit: GettyZouma was fined and banned from owning cats for five years after a video emerged of him kicking and slapping his pet catCredit: PADuring the interview, the Fenerbahce manager was asked whether he prefers cats or dogs.Mourinho replied by saying: “Dogs.”But never one to shy away from controversy, the sharp-tongued 62-year-old then raised his hands in the air and added: “But I don’t have a problem with cats.”I’m not Kurt Zouma.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe joke saw Mourinho and Obi Mikel burst into laughter.It came as a reference to Zouma’s cat-kicking scandal in February 2022. In a leaked Snapchat video obtained exclusively by The Sun, the then West Ham defender was seen kicking and slapping his pet cat in his kitchen in a video filmed by brother Yoan.His club condemned the act and fined him £250,000, which they said was the maximum they were able to hand out.Most read in FootballThe Frenchman pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.Zouma avoided a jail sentence for the crime but was fined £8,887 and handed a 12-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work.Kurt Zouma arrives at Thames Magistrates Court to be sentenced for animal crueltyHe was also banned from keeping cats for five years.Speaking about the sickening incident, Zouma said: “It’s been a difficult spell for me and my family.”Obviously, I have done something very bad and I apologise again for what I’ve done. I know it was very tough for people to watch and to see that and obviously I feel very, very sorry.”I have great remorse about it and now I’m trying to move on with my family and looking ahead. I learned from it, that’s the most important thing, I would say.”Obviously, I had support from many, many people around me who helped me stay focused on football and I try to stay happy.”Zouma, now 30, left the Hammers in August 2024 to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Orobah.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played under Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s second spell at Chelsea.Mourinho is a known dog lover, and admitted in 2019 he had had a “very sad” Christmas because his beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Leya, had died on Christmas Day. More

  • in

    ‘Never afraid to bring the smoke’ – Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it

    JOSE MOURINHO may have a few grey hairs now, but he still clearly has his trademark silver tongue.It comes after Fenerbahce manager Mourinho hit back in a spat with Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi.Jose Mourinho gave a sarcastic but sharp reply in a war of words with Mauro IcardiCredit: X/ BBCMOTDIt had come after Icardi labelled him ‘the crying one’Credit: GettyThe Argentine had labelled Mourinho as “the crying one” as a reference to his “special one” nickname coined all those years ago when he first joined Chelsea.Mourinho, 62, gave a sarcastic but sharp reply to the 31-year-old.Speaking to reporters before his side face Anderlecht in the Europa League play-offs, he said: “I show I am a special one, not the special one. “With 25 years of career and 26 titles and not with one match. That is not one match to define my career. My career is a career of 25 years. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In relation to the comments of Icardi, Icardi is a GOAT and I refuse to comment on a GOAT’s words. He is too big, I won’t comment.”Reacting to the comments on social media, one fan said: “My refusal to accept ‘goat’ in anything other than its traditional footballing definition makes this 100 times funnier.”A second said: “He is never afraid to bring the smoke, Jose. He is Hollywood.”A third added: “You have to love Jose Mourinho.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother said: “He is just so much fun.”The entire argument started when Mourinho made reference to Galatasaray’s alleged favouritism with referees in Turkey in a post on Instagram.Watch Jose Mourinho slap Fenerbahce translator after comical ‘toilet’ mistake during press conference Galatasaray’s clash with Adana Demirspor was abandoned when Adana’s players walked off the pitch after 30 minutes in protest at a controversial penalty decision.Mourinho then used a picture showing ex-Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez handling the ball in the box in a game against Gaziantep last week, with no penalty being given.He captioned the post: “In the Handball World Cup that ended last Sunday, my Portugal team brilliantly reached the semi-finals and I want to congratulate them for such an achievement and the impact they will have on our country’s youth.”Icardi had then replied by posting a meme of the “crying one” on his Instagram story, thus prompting Mourinho’s next response.Mourinho has been famously outspoken against officials throughout his career, with that trend continuing in Turkey.He was fined more than £20,000 and given a one-match ban for launching a rant against Super Lig and the officiating standard in November.Speaking after a 3-2 win over Trazbonspor, he had said: “Nobody abroad wants to watch the Turkish league. Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? “They have the Premier League, they have the French league, they have the German league, they have the Portuguese league, they have the Dutch league. Why would they watch this?”It’s too grey. It’s too dark, smells bad. But that’s my job, and I will give everything to my job, to my club.”He followed up by saying: “We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.”The man of the match was Atilla Karaoglan. We didn’t see him but he was the referee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The referee was just a little boy that was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan.”Fenerbahce are three points behind Galatasaray in the league, though the leaders have a game in hand.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More