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    Jose Mourinho appears to take ANOTHER dig at Allan Saint-Maximin as he congratulates Marco Silva on reaching 500 games

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    JOSE MOURINHO appeared to take another dig at Allan Saint-Maximin as he congratulated Marco Silva on managing his 500th game.Mourinho, 62, has coached Saint-Maximin at Fenerbahce this season.Jose Mourinho made scathing comments about Allan Saint-MaximinCredit: GettyThe winger has endured a tough loan spell in TurkeyCredit: GettyThe former Newcastle favourite signed on loan from Al-Ahli last summer but has since had his professionalism questioned by his boss.When Mourinho dropped the winger for their Europa League clash with Rangers earlier this month, Saint-Maximin wrote on Instagram: “When a lie takes the elevator, the truth takes the stairs. It takes longer, but it arrives in the end.”The Portuguese subsequently hit back: “I didn’t know Saint-Maximin had a gift for poetry. I’m not bad at it either.”When a footballer works well, works hard and trains every day, he can be in good form and climb up the stairs. He doesn’t need to use the lift.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By contrast, if a player doesn’t train well, turns up late, is overweight and isn’t ready to play a match, then he needs to use the lift – as he’ll soon get tired on the stairs.”When contacted by Portuguese paper A Bola about Silva’s milestone, Mourinho echoed Saint-Maximin’s phrase.The experienced boss said: “Five-hundred? A beautiful number, which with more grey hairs will reach 600… 700…”Congratulations Marco, for a beautiful career, based on talent, work, seriousness, discretion.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMourinho, 62, has not been impressed with Saint-Maximin’s applicationCredit: GettyThe Portuguese boss did battle with his younger compatriot in EnglandCredit: Getty”You climbed the stairs, where many had the elevator at their disposal.”Congratulations for a career made of results and not perceptions. I admire and applaud you.”Jose Mourinho’s secret Ibrox visitSilva, 47, has also been very complimentary of his compatriot.The Fulham boss said of how Portuguese bosses are viewed in England: “We are certainly well regarded. And we all agree that Jose Mourinho’s influence was transcendent.”After having won what he won in Portugal, arriving in England, having that triumphant entrance and getting Chelsea to play and win titles 50 years later, he ended up being fundamental for the arrival of other Portuguese coaches.”Andre Villas-Boas followed, who had won the Europa League, and I was the third to arrive.”But it was Jose Mourinho who opened the doors for us.”Fenerbahce beat Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox in Saint-Maximin’s absence but were dumped out on penalties having lost the first leg 3-1.They subsequently drew 0-0 at home to Samsunspor ahead of the international break, with Saint-Maximin again not making the matchday squad.The winger has made just four appearances since before Christmas, often being left as an unused substitute.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has denied Mourinho’s claims about his fitness, claiming to be the same weight as he was in 2022.The Frenchman also wrote on Instagram: “Lies give you flowers – but they don’t bear fruit.”Saint-Maximin has hardly featured in recent weeksCredit: Getty More

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      Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’

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      RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’Uefa have come down hard over this bannerCredit: GettyIt was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at IbroxCredit: GettyRangers have also been charged over the throwing of objectsCredit: ReutersRangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-outCredit: Willie VassLast week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.Most read in Europa LeagueThat punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkThat does, however, mean any Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.”Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.”This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.”Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.”In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”Rangers’ Uefa finesImproper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.”The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.”The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.”We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Fenerbahce fans tear seats to shreds at Ibrox in loss to Rangers as shock images emerge

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      DOZENS of Ibrox seats were smashed to pieces by frustrated Fenerbahce fans after they saw their team crash out of the Europa League to Rangers.The Scottish Premiership side marched into the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a dramatic penalty shootout win in Glasgow.The damage at Ibrox was significantCredit: WILLIE VASSSeveral chairs were ripped apart in the away sectionCredit: WILLIE VASSAround 2,000 Fenerbahce fans were in attendance at the gameCredit: WILLIE VASSGers lost 2-0 on the night to the Turkish giants after a 3-1 win in Istanbul but triumphed in the end thanks to two spot kick saves by Jack Butland and a howler from Mert Hakan Yandaş.For most of the night in the stands the relationship between the two sets of supporters was cordial.Both home and away fans joined together in a minute’s applause for tragic Gers supporter Chris Potter, who died in a car accident in Istanbul last week.Rangers had erected segregation netting inside the stadium for the first time.It will be in use again for the home tie against Athletic Bilbao and the next Old Firm game against Celtic.However towards the end of the match, things turned sour.Contentious decisions on the pitch – including three penalty claims for Fenerbahce – led to some unsavoury scenes in the stands.Fenerbahce goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat was targeted by a missile thrown from the crowd during extra-time.Most read in FootballThe keeper picked up a vape and handed it to referee Espen Eskas, who disposed of it beside the pitch.Meanwhile at the other end of the stadium in the Broomloan Stand (the incident involving Eğribayat happened down towards the Copland Stand), images show the damage caused to seats at Ibrox by some Fenerbahce louts.Celtic ultras spray paint train green and white as Rangers build-up begins Several of the chairs had the backs and/or the seat ripped from its hinges.The vandalism took place in the lower tier of the stand, nearest to the goal.Ibrox won’t host another match until April 5, when Gers welcome Hibs, allowing for repairs to be carried out.Ferguson hails heroesBy BILL LECKIEAfter the game, Barry Ferguson hailed his Rangers heroes for riding a rollercoaster to Euro glory.The caretaker Ibrox boss went through every emotion as his leg-weary side clung on to win a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after throwing away a two-goal first leg led.And a drained Ferguson said: “This team has been fine when they’ve gone ahead, but when something goes against them they go into their shells.“But this time, they didn’t. They kept driving on, they kept running themselves into the ground. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves, they showed character – and maybe some people will now start to think these guys have got something about them. “This was definitely one of the longest rollercoaster rides you’ll ever be on. I mean, where do you start? We played well, we could have done better on their two goals, then we handled the penalties situation really well.“I’m delighted for Jack. I’ve known him since he was a young boy at Birmingham when I played there and he’s a great lad. He’s taken a lot of flak recently, but he’s been brilliant here.“I’m delighted for all the players, for the board of directors and most of all for the supporters, who now get another great away day.”But Ferguson refused to rate his side’s chances against Athletic Bilbao in the last eight – because all he wants to think about is facing Celtic two days from now.He said: “As soon as I ran on the park and jumped on Jack’s back, all that was in my head was who’d be ready for Sunday.“It’s about who’s going to walk into the  training centre in half-decent condition, that’s all I’m thinking just now. We’ll take care of the Bilbao situation after we play another few games.“The most important thing for me here was just to get into the last eight. It gets the club a couple of pounds, but also it gives my group of players to go and showcase their talents against really top opposition. “We need to go and show what it means to play at this club. It’s a long shot in terms of getting to the final, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”Meanwhile, gutted Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho – who swears his side should have had a penalty for a Nico Raskin tackle on Hakan Yandas in the last minute of extra time – says it will be a PHENOMENAL result if Rangers knock out Bilbao.The Spaniards beat his former club Roma earlier in the evening and he smiled: “I see Roma played with ten men from the tenth minute. And the final is in Bilbao.“It’s the Road to Bilbao, yes?“So it will be phenomenal if Rangers beat them. I played against Bilbao in the group stage and they are a stronger side than Rangers, but anything is possible.“As for us, we won tonight. We won 2-0. Only one team scored, only one team deserved to score more, only one team deserved to win after 90 minutes, after 120 minutes. READ MORE SUN STORIES“On 120 minutes, we should have had a penalty – though maybe we would have missed it.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Jose Mourinho claims 3-1 Fenerbahce loss at home to Rangers was a ‘GOOD result’ then pretends to fall asleep

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      JOSE MOURINHO pretended to fall asleep as he claimed Fenerbahce’s 3-1 defeat to Rangers was a “good result.”The two sides clashed in Istanbul for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.Jose Mourinho reckoned Fenerbahce’s 3-1 defeat to Rangers was a ‘good result’Credit: TNT SportsThe Special One then pretended to fall asleep while being asked a long questionCredit: TNT SportsFenerbahce boasted stars including Milan Skriniar, Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko in their starting XI.While Rangers looked to upset the odds under new interim boss Barry Ferguson.And the Scots did exactly that as they raced into a sixth minute lead through Cyriel Dessers.Galatasaray levelled on the half hour mark through Alexander Djiku.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Rangers went into the break 2-1 up thanks to Vaclav Cerny’s strike.The Glasgow side then held strong in the second half before Cerny struck again in the 81st minute to secure a 3-1 win.It means Fenerbahce must score at least twice in next week’s Ibrox tie just to take it to extra time.But despite the setback, boss Mourinho reckons it was a “good result” for the Turks.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “We were very bad everywhere. I think it’s not fair to say we were very bad in defence, because we were very bad everywhere.”Maybe you laugh, but for me it was a good result, because the way we performed the result could be bigger than this.Jose Mourinho refuses to rule out managing Celtic or Rangers as he opens door to stunning Scottish football move “I know that Jack Butland made three fantastic saves. I know that there is, I think, a penalty, but to speak about the referee after this performance, I don’t think it’s ethical.”The chances we had to score we didn’t. The dynamic in midfield was not good. Defensively, we made incredible mistakes. We never controlled that.”They defended a lot with the block very low, a good and dangerous counter-attack. So we deserve the punishment of this result.”But if somebody later wants to ask me do I think it’s over, no, I don’t think it’s over. There is 90 or 120 minutes to play.”It’s the only positive thing. And from this game, I don’t take any positives. Everything went wrong.”The only thing I tell them is, don’t celebrate too much. Because there is a second match. It’s my only advice.”Later on during his post-match press conference, Mourinho pretended to nod off as he listened to a lengthy question.The Special One closed his eyes and drooped his head to one side as he simulated a snoring snooze.And fans were left in stitches by Mourinho’s behaviour, with one saying: “Mourinho can act in the best movie industry in the world.”Another declared: “Classic Jose time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Think Jose’s had enough.”Another added: “Oh my word.” More

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      Moment Rangers star WIPED OUT by Jack Butland and forced off after just 28 minutes as team mates look on worried

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      THIS is the moment Robin Propper was left lying on the floor in a heap after a horrifying head-on clash with Jack Butland.The Rangers star collided with his team mate in the 24th minute of the Europa League match against Fenerbahce in Turkey.Robin Propper was flattened by Jack ButlandCredit: PAHe was forced off the pitch as a resultCredit: Willie VassPropper was running back towards goal to defend a ball in behind for Dusan Tadic to chase.The Dutch centre-back managed to get his body in between Tadic and the ball on the edge of the Rangers box but Butland had came rushing out and seemingly there was a break down in communication between the two.While Propper was under pressure, if Butland had stayed on his line he could have headed the ball back to him or hooked it clear.Butland didn’t want to risk anything so instead he charged out to head the ball (as he was outside the area so couldn’t catch it) but in doing so he inadvertently headbutted Propper.The defender was barged to the ground and writhed in pain as docs were immediately concerned with a possible concussion – or worse.Gers were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to an early goal from Cyriel Dessers.The head knock forced Propper to be subbed off (he was able to walk to the sideline unaided) for Leon Balogun, with Rangers playing a back three in Istanbul.Within a few minutes of Propper going off, Gers conceded from a corner.Most read in FootballAlexander Djiku, who had came on as a sub for Çağlar Söyüncü, finished with aplomb at the back post to level things up for the hosts.The collision left Gers fans hoping Propper wasn’t seriously injured.How key tactical change can see Rangers ‘do a Walter Smith’ on Mourinho’s FenerbahceOne said: “Seriously I hope Propper is okay, looked a sore one.”Another said: “Reckless play from Butland. Just hope no damage to Propper.”A third said said: “Glad to see Propper walk off after that. Lucky boy!”Before this supporter commented: “Clearly accidental and no malice towards Propper but I have no idea what Butland is doing there. Wild.And a fifth said: “Propper made for these games too. Sore one.”After the game, boss Ferguson gave an update on Propper’s status.He revealed: “I think he got knocked out for a minute or two. The big man’s up a lot so he should be okay but you’ve got to be wary of that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a bit of a concussion so we’ll see how he is in the next couple of days.”The TV cameras caught the moment Propper was upended by his team mateKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Tottenham ‘send scouts to watch 19-year-old Fenerbahce star’ – only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench

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      TOTTENHAM reportedly sent scouts to watch Fenerbahce star Yusuf Akcicek in action — only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench.19-year-old wonderkid Akcicek burst onto the scene last season with 15 appearances in all competitions.Tottenham sent scouts to watch Yusuf Akcicek in action for FenerbahceCredit: GettySpurs were left empty-handed as Jose Mourinho benched the youngsterCredit: RexAnd he has added another 14 games to that tally this term after breaking into Mourinho’s Super Lig XI at the start of the year.Akcicek is regarded as one of Turkey’s most promising centre-backs.And he played the full 90 minutes in Fenerbahce’s fiery top-of-the-table derby against Galatasaray, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate and saw Mourinho slapped with a hefty ban and fine for his post-match comments.The ace put in another top performance in his side’s 4-1 Turkish Cup win over Gaziantep last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootboom claims his recent performances caught the attention of several teams, including Tottenham.And the Londoners decided to send a scout to Istanbul for Fener’s weekend league game against Antalyaspor.However, the Spurs man went home with an empty report after Akcicek was surprisingly left out of the side.Former Tottenham boss Mourinho instead opted for Mert Muldur as one of his three centre-backs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd when he replaced the latter during the match, the Special One sent on Alexander Djiku while Akcicek remained on the bench.It now remains to be seen if he returns to Fener’s side on Thursday.Roy Keane gives savage response to James Maddison’s dig as Ian Wright tells Tottenham star ‘you can’t f***ing win’The Turks take on Scottish side Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.The return match takes place a week later, with no league match in between.But Tottenham are likely to continue their interest in Akcicek as Ange Postecoglou looks to combat the defensive injury crisis that has plagued his side all season. More

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      Jose Mourinho hit with FOUR-MATCH ban amid racism row as Fenerbahce slapped with huge punishment after Galatasaray chaos

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      JOSE MOURINHO has been hit with a four-match ban amid his racism row with Galatasaray.The Fenerbahce boss was accused by his Turkish rivals of making “racist statements” after Monday’s Istanbul derby, which ended 0-0.Jose Mourinho has been banned for four matches in TurkeyCredit: RexOkan Buruk’s Galatasaray had accused Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’Credit: RexFormer 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.Fenerbahce responded by accusing Galatasaray of “pathetic slander.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the Turkish Football Federation have now announced that the Special One will serve a lengthy suspension as a result of his actions after the game.A statement said that Mourinho’s post-match press conference comments about Galatasaray “contained expressions that could encourage violence and disorder in sport, were divisive and separatist in society, and could cause fan incidents.”Slovenian Slavko Vincic was drafted in especially to referee the fiery derby clash, after Mourinho accused Turkish officials of giving favourable decisions to Galatasaray.Mourinho was criticised for going into the referees’ dressing room after the game – and openly criticising the quality of Turkish refereeing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat led to a second charge for directing “derogatory and offensive statements towards the Turkish fourth official” at full-time.The statement also claimed he made “insulting and offensive statements towards both the Turkish football community and all Turkish referees.”Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Mourinho received a two-game ban for each of the charges, as well as a total fine of £35,000.He will miss the next four league games against Antalyaspor, Samsunspor, Bodrum and Trabzonspor.But Mourinho will be in the dugout for Fenerbahce’s Europa League last-16 ties against Rangers next month.The Portuguese boss took charge of his Turkish club in June and they currently sit second in the Super Lig, six points off champions Galatasaray.In the aftermath of their racism accusation, Mourinho was defended by several former players including Didier Drogba.The Chelsea legend spent two years at Galatasaray from 2012 to 2014 and is considered a cult icon by their fans.But Drogba backed his former Blues boss in the row, saying: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions and let’s win the league to get close to our 5.”How can my “Dad” be a racist? Come on guys.” More

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

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      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

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

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      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