More stories

  • in

    Fans beg Mourinho to remain as pundit after five-star performance at Champions League final including dig at Wenger

    JOSE MOURINHO has been praised for his incredible punditry performance after stealing the show during coverage of the Champions League final.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss joined TNT Sports as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.Fans are calling for Jose Mourinho to ditch his move to Fenerbahce and become a full-time punditCredit: GettyThe Special One left fans and his fellow in pundits continuously last nightCredit: TNT Sports And fans are now calling for a broadcaster to make him a permanent fixture on screens after several hilarious moments and fascinating analysis.Last night, he regularly left Rio Ferdinand in hysterics and left Laura Woods speechless after one “classy” gesture.Fans loved Mourinho at his box office best – so here is a look at the Special One’s pundit of the match performance.Fenerbahce jokesAny campaign to see Mourinho as a TNT Sports regular next season will not work as he has already agreed to take charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce from next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to kick-off, Ferdinand asked the Special One who is the most famous person in his phone book.And before his move to Fenerbahce was officially announced, he went early and confirmed he was on his way to Istanbul.Jose brilliantly replied: “In this moment it is the president of Fenerbahce.”And Mourinho’s jokes didn’t stop there as he told Real Madrid hero Jude Bellingham it will be harder for them to win next year’s competition with Fenerbahce involved.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHole in oneFive-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale briefly joined the pundits pitchside to discuss his former club Real’s greatness in Europe.The retired Welshman, who is known for having a huge passion for golf, was then asked what it was like to play under the Special One at Tottenham.Watch Jude Bellingham swear at critics on live TV after Champions League final as he’s warned ‘it’s still early in US’Bale said: “I loved working with him.”Only for his quick-witted ex-manager to hit back: “At that time he was already thinking about winning Augusta.”His joke led to one fan, saying: “I feel like Jose should just do TV and forget Turkey.”Mourinho made Bale laugh with his Augusta gagCredit: X @footballontntConsoling TerzicBorussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic was left heartbroken after leading his boyhood club to collect their runners-up medals.It led to Mourinho walking off set and going over to embrace Terzic – leaving Woods gushing.She said: “We’ve lost Jose Mourinho, he’s marched onto the pitch.”I tell you what he’s doing, he’s going over to see Edin Terzic and I imagine consoling him.”This is a really lovely, classy moment between two managers.”Jose later revealed what he said to Terzic, explaining: “I was telling him that time is not going to help you. “It’s going to be very hard for the rest of your career and the rest of your life – but you have to be very proud of the work you did because you did amazing.”As a coach you couldn’t do more, the coach cannot score, the coach can organise and give mentality, give confidence and he did all that.”He’s not the guy to go and kick the ball into the net, which is what his team missed.”But the approach was amazing, they did everything well apart from scoring, so as a coach, he has to be proud. “But he is not going to forget.”His words of wisdom were loved by supporters, with one saying: “Love this guy.”Another added: “Jose spot on again.”Mourinho hugged Terzic after the gameCredit: X @footballontnt”Time is not going to help you… but you have to be very proud!” 🖤💛Jose Mourinho reveals what he said to Borussia Dortmund manager, Edin Terzic 💬 pic.twitter.com/IoWekdn7FU— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024

    Wenger digMourinho has a long-running feud with Arsenal’s legendary boss Arsene Wenger.And the Portuguese gaffer’s latest dig at him left Ferdinand, Woods and Steve McManaman in stitches.Wenger, who is now Fifa’s chief of global football development, is pushing for a controversial change to the offside law.The 74-year-old wants a rule tweak that would effectively mean there has to be “daylight” between an attacker and defender for it to be offside.It’s safe to say Mourinho hates the idea.Presenter Woods saw Wenger in the stands and said it would be great if he was able to have a chat with them.Mourinho brutally responded with a bemused look on his face: “Ask him about what he wants to do with the offside. Let me go before, please. It’s time for me to go.”It to another saying: “Mourinho is a quality pundit, why is he doing the grind in Turkey? Just retire and make everyone laugh on TV.”Mourinho slammed Wenger’s proposed offside rule changesCredit: TNT SPORTS’My mum fancies you’Bellingham hilariously embarrassed his mum during his interview with the TNT Sports crew.The 20-year-old superstar ran over to Mourinho as his Real Madrid team-mates partied on the pitch.They hugged and shared words with each other before the 61-year-old boss was taken over to meet a lady who thinks he lives up to his Special One nickname.Mourinho shook hands with Bellingham’s proud mother, Denise, and then posed for a picture with her.The England midfielder admitted afterwards “his mum has fancied him for years.”Mourinho met the Bellingham family after the final whistleCredit: GettyBellingham said his mum Denise fancies MourinhoCredit: X @footballontntChelsea jibe Asked by Woods about the state of his two former clubs, Mourinho simply said: “I have no idea. I have no idea.”Pushed what he meant on Spurs, he said: “Tottenham, I have an idea. This is Tottenham, always fighting to be fourth. Between fourth, fifth and sixth.”Next season is Europa League, of course they can win it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Stability, they are investing more, amazing club, facilities, beautiful stadium – you can feel it.”But Chelsea, I really don’t know.” More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho appointed Fenerbahce manager as he reunites with former Man Utd star in new job

    JOSE MOURINHO has been appointed as Fenerbahce’s new manager.The Special One will be unveiled to fans at the club’s stadium at 5pm today. Jose Mourinho has joined FenerbahceCredit: GettyMourinho, 61, was greeted by fans at the airportCredit: GettyHis appointment was confirmed by the club this morning, with Mourinho saying in a video message to his new supporters: “Merhaba [Hello] Fenerbahce fans. See you at Kadikoy and let’s start our journey together.”The 61-year-old legend flew to Turkey after appearing as a pundit for TNT Sports, helping their coverage of last night’s Champions League final at Wembley.Mourinho takes the reigns at Fenerbahce after he was sacked from Roma in January.He has reportedly signed a deal that will run until 2026, with an option for a further season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMourinho had been linked with a number of jobs – including a shock return to Manchester United – before taking the gig at the Istanbul based side.They came second last season in the Turkish Super Lig under Ismail Kartal, ending with 99 points after losing just one game.Their runners-up finish will see them enter the Champions League in the qualifying rounds. Fenerbahce were beaten to top spot by Galatasaray, who scored 102 points, prompting one fan to stab a sign of the Yellow Canaries president Ali Koc with a knife.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEx-Prem stars at FenerbahceJOSE MOURINHO will have a whole host of familiar faces in his dressing room when he takes over at Fenerbahce.
    There are no fewer than SIX players in the Turkish giants’ squad who previously played in the Premier League. 
    They are:

    EDIN DZEKO Fenerbahce’s club captain was at Man City from 2011 to 2016, scoring 72 goals in 189 appearances, including the dramatic equaliser before THAT Sergio Aguero winner vs QPR
    MICHY BATSHUAYI Belgian forward arrived to much fanfare at Chelsea in 2016 but five loans in six years, two of them to Crystal Palace, showed it didn’t quite work
    FRED Man Utd spent £52m on the Brazilian holding midfielder who formed half of the underwhelming ‘McFred’ partnership and won just the League Cup in five years at Old Trafford
    DUSAN TADIC Serbian forward enjoyed four seasons at Southampton before returning to the Eredivisie with Ajax, reaching the Champions League semi-finals
    RYAN KENT Technically didn’t play in the Premier League but made one FA Cup appearance for boyhood club Liverpool then left for Rangers in 2019
    CENGIZ UNDER A disappointing season on loan at Leicester in 2020-21 from Roma, scoring two goals in 19 appearances for the Foxes who did not trigger their option to buy the Turkish winger.

    Mourinho’s move will see the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid boss reunite with former Manchester United midfielder Fred.The 31-year-old scored three goals and added eight assists in all competitions for the team last year. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansOther former Premier League players at his disposal include ex-Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi, Southampton icon Dusan Tadic, ex-Leicester duo Caglar Soyuncu and Cengiz Under as well as Manchester City cult hero Edin Dzeko.Former Rangers star Ryan Kent and Croatia international Dominik Livakovic are also a part of the current squad.Fenerbahce are no strangers to wild antics, which could make Mourinho’s appointment a match made in heaven.Back in March, their players were attacked by Trabzonspor supporters who charged the pitch at full-time.Batshuayi fought one off with a karate kick as team-mate Bright Osayi-Samuel punched another.Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel punches a Trabzonspor fan after they invade the pitchFenerbahce have long complained there is a campaign against them and claim referees are against them.And the Trabzonspor incident restarted a war they have with the Turkish Football Federation.Fenerbahce have since been demanding change at the Turkish FA and have threatened to pull out of the Super Lig.The saga even saw them field their Under-19s team against Galatasaray in the domestic Cup final in protest. Gala striker Mauro Icardi scored one minute into the game and straight after the goal, all of the Fenerbahce players walked off the pitch and refused to continue.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 3-0 win was awarded to Galatasaray.Fenerbahce are one of the biggest clubs in Turkey and claims suggest they are supported by as much as 32 per cent of all fans in the country.Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is enteringJose Mourinho has returned to football management by stepping into the Fenerbahce pressure cooker.
    Decked out in the club’s trademark yellow and black stripes, the club’s supporters boast a distinctive look that can be seen all around Turkey.
    In March, following a last-gasp 3-2 win at rivals Trabzonspor, home fans ran onto the pitch, some even wielding weapons, to attempt to attack Fener stars.
    Mourinho’s predecessor Ismail Kartal pondered after the match: “Why do these events happen when we are victorious here? I don’t understand these.”
    Meanwhile, the “derby of immense and never-ending hate” with Galatasaray has it’s own flavour of intensity.
    In 2012, things reached a boiling point when Galatasaray won the league at Fenerbahce courtesy of a 0-0 draw.
    Police, armed with pepper spray, used riot shields to attempt to protect Galatasaray’s players from furious Fenerbahce fans storming the pitch.
    Chairs were hurled towards opposition players, while more supporters whacked cop cars with stones outside the stadium.
    READ MORE ABOUT FENERBAHCE’S MAD WORLD HERE. More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho all-but confirms his next manager job during TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage

    JOSE MOURINHO effectively confirmed himself as the new manager of Fenerbahce during TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage at Wembley.The Portuguese coach, 61, is being heavily linked with taking over the Turkish giants after being sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho was part of TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage at WembleyCredit: PAMourinho all but confirmed his next job will be at Fenerbahce in an interview with Rio FerdinandCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntThe Portuguese coach’s response left Rio Ferdinand in stitchesCredit: TNT SportsAnd he appeared to all but confirm his arrival during his role as a pundit on Saturday night.During an interview in front of the Wembley pitch, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked him: “Who is the most famous person in your phonebook?”After initially not understanding the question, Mourinho pondered for a second before hilariously saying: “At the moment it is the president of Fenerbahce.”Ferdinand burst into laughter, before Mourinho also managed a snigger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has been linked with a litany of jobs in recent weeks, including the sporting director’s role at Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadisiyah.He recently outlined the minimum requirements for his next role.He told The Telegraph: “The only thing I want is that the targets and the objectives have to be established by everyone in a fair way.”I cannot go to a club where, because of my history, the objective is to win the title. No.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The only thing I want is that it has to be fair. Do you think if I was at a big Premier League club and we were sixth, seventh, eighth, in the table, I still have a job?”What I am saying is people [should] look at me the way they look at others. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligans”What is important for me is if the club has objectives and for me to be able to say I am ready to fight for these.”I don’t want to say realistic, but [at least] semi-realistic. Because when I went to Roma nobody was dreaming about European Cup finals and we did it.”It’s not possible I go to a club almost relegated and the objective is to win the Champions League. It’s good but it is not fair.”Ex-Prem stars at FenerbahceJOSE MOURINHO will have a whole host of familiar faces in his dressing room when he takes over at Fenerbahce. 
    There are no fewer than SIX players in the Turkish giants’ squad who previously played in the Premier League. 
    They are:

    EDIN DZEKO Fenerbahce’s club captain was at Man City from 2011 to 2016, scoring 72 goals in 189 appearances, including the dramatic equaliser before THAT Sergio Aguero winner vs QPR
    MICHY BATSHUAYI Belgian forward arrived to much fanfare at Chelsea in 2016 but five loans in six years, two of them to Crystal Palace, showed it didn’t quite work
    FRED Man Utd spent £52m on the Brazilian holding midfielder who formed half of the underwhelming’McFred’ partnership and won just the League Cup in five years at Old Trafford
    DUSAN TADIC Serbian forward enjoyed four seasons at Southampton before returning to the Eredivisie with Ajax, reaching the Champions League semi-finals
    RYAN KENT Technically didn’t play in the Premier League but made one FA Cup appearance for boyhood club Liverpool then left for Rangers in 2019
    CENGIZ UNDER A disappointing season on loan at Leicester in 2020-21 from Roma, scoring two goals in 19 appearances for the Foxes who did not trigger their option to buy the Turkish winger. More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho faces losing key player immediately as Arsenal ‘agree personal terms with Fenerbahce star’

    INCOMING Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho already faces a transfer dilemma, according to reports.The Portuguese, 61, is claimed to have agreed a two-year deal to take charge of the Turkish giants.Jose Mourinho is set to move to Fenerbahce on a two-year dealCredit: AlamyFenerbahce supporters recently rioted after their side missed out on the Super Lig title to fierce rivals Galatasaray.Mourinho will be tasked with bringing glory back to Fener, but may immediately be presented with a hurdle.According to Turkish paper Milliyet, via Sportwitness, Arsenal are keen to swoop for full-back Ferdi Kadioglu.They claim that the left-back, 24, is eager to move to the Premier League this summer and has already agreed terms on a move to the Emirates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are named as front-runners for his signature, with “concrete steps” having been taken to complete a transfer.Kadioglu joined Fenerbahce from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in 2018.He has gone on to make 199 appearances for them, scoring 17 goals and laying on 22 assists.Having played for the Netherlands at youth level, Kadioglu switched his international allegiance to Turkey in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFerdi Kadioglu is eager to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyKadioglu has since earned 15 caps and has been named in his nation’s squad for Euro 2024.Arsenal are chasing a new left-back, with some of their current stars linked with exits. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansNew Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is reportedly interested in swooping for his former Manchester City team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko.While Kieran Tierney is also expected to leave, following a season-long loan at Real Sociedad.And reports in Italy suggest that Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a serious target for AC Milan.Before starting work with Fenerbahce, Mourinho is set for a big telly gig this evening.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has signed up to take part in TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage.Mourinho’s role will see him run the rule over former club Real Madrid as they take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.He will join presenter Laura Woods alongside fellow pundits Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Steve McManaman.Mourinho, 61, is set to join TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverageCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho ‘requests special clause in Fenerbahce contract’ that lets ex-Man Utd boss take dream job

    JOSE MOURINHO is prepared to officially accept a managerial job offer from Fenerbahce – on one condition.The 61-year-old has been out of work since leaving Roma in January.It’s claimed Jose Mourinho has asked for a clause to be inserted into his Fenerbahce contractCredit: GettyHowever, he is now finally set for a return to the dugout.Mourinho reached an agreement to become Fenerbahce manager this week.A two-year deal is understood to be in place, with the option to extend.However, Calcio Mercato claim the ‘Special One’ wants a special clause inserted into his contract.Read More in FootballMourinho wants permission to leave Fenerbahce should the opportunity to manage the Portuguese national team arise.The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham boss previously turned down the job twice.He told Fabrizio Romano: “I had the door open to be Portugal coach twice.”First time when I was at Real Madrid but Florentino told me, ‘no chance’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The second time was at Roma, I was sacked a few months later… but I don’t regret that because I’m happy with the reason.”Mourinho has taken charge of three Portuguese clubs – Porto, Benfica and U.D. Leiria. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansHowever, he is yet to manage a national team.Mourinho will take up a different role this weekend when he joins the TNT Sports punditry team for the Champions League final.He will provide expert analysis on the clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. More

  • in

    Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligans

    JOSE MOURINHO is set to return to football management by stepping into the Fenerbahce pressure cooker.The Portuguese, 61, has become known for his fiery antics in recent years.Jose Mourinho is set to return to management with FenerbahceCredit: GettyThe Turkish side’s supporters are renowned around EuropeCredit: AFPFenerbahce are claimed to be supported by 32 per cent of Turkey’s entire populationCredit: GettyDuring his last few months at Roma, he performed numerous mad feats – from repeated sendings off, to spats with the media, and even calling himself “Harry Potter”.Having been sacked by the Serie A side in January, Mourinho has not been short of offers in the intervening months – with even shock links to former club Manchester United emerging.His next challenge, however, will see him step into the fire in Istanbul, as he takes charge of one of European football’s largest, most fanatically-backed institutions.While success in Europe has been limited in recent years due to the wealth gap with the continent’s elite, Fenerbahce remain one of Turkey’s superpowers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIncredibly, per Turkish news outlet N24, 32 per cent of all fans in the country support Fener.Decked out in the club’s trademark yellow and black stripes, the club’s supporters boast a distinctive look that can be seen all around Turkey.Mourinho, who has managed many of Europe’s biggest clubs, may have to prepare himself for the intensity of the backdrop that Turkish football is played out in front of.In March, Fenerbahce were involved in the latest shocking scenes of violence that have blighted the Super Lig.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPolice offers protect Besiktas ace Ricardo Quaresma with riot shieldsCredit: GettyFenerbahce fans clash with Maribor supporters last yearCredit: GettyFollowing a last-gasp 3-2 win at rivals Trabzonspor, home fans ran onto the pitch, some even wielding weapons, to attempt to attack Fener stars.Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi appeared to take on one pitch invader with an astonishing spinning back kick. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansEx-QPR ace Bright Osayi-Samuel could be seen aiming a punch at a potential attacker.Mourinho’s predecessor Ismail Kartal pondered after the match: “Why do these events happen when we are victorious here? I don’t understand these.”After all, why are we in such conflict with Trabzonspor when there is nothing between the presidents and managers of our two clubs? I don’t understand why we are confronting each other so much?”Bright Osayi-Samuel aims a punch at a hooliganCredit: GettyPlayers were forced to defend themselves from intrudersCredit: GettyThe match was marred by astonishing scenesCredit: GettyPlayers quickly had to race for the tunnelCredit: ReutersIf the rivalry with Trabzonspor is fierce, the hatred that runs between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray is on another level entirely.Dubbed the “derby of immense and never-ending hate”, the fixture has been marred by scenes of violence.In 2012, things reached a boiling point when Galatasaray won the league at Fenerbahce courtesy of a 0-0 draw.Police, armed with pepper spray, used riot shields to attempt to protect Galatasaray’s players from furious Fenerbahce fans storming the pitch.Chairs were hurled towards opposition players, while more supporters whacked cop cars with stones outside the stadium.It was even reported at the time that a man wearing a Galatasaray shirt elsewhere in Turkey was beaten and stabbed by a group of Fenerbahce supporters, although thankfully survived.Matches between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray always require a strong police presenceCredit: GettyFenerbahce supporters celebrate their recent Super Lig win over GalatasarayCredit: GettyTheir team bus was met by an astonishing welcomeCredit: GettyFollowing the ruckus against Trabzonspor in March, Fenerbahce defender Alexander Djiku offered an insight into what it is like playing for the club.He told Sky Sports: “There was a feeling of fear for our lives, because when a supporter is ready to do battle you never know what might happen.”Djiku, 29, went on to add: “At the final whistle, we celebrated the victory in the middle of the pitch – as we do at every match – given that we were playing against the third-placed team and that Galatasaray had won against Kasimpasa.”We saw one fan enter the pitch and within seconds several more, until the stewards were completely overwhelmed. Hundreds of people were coming towards us and the pitch was completely invaded.”We all went in at the same time on the recommendation of the stewards and with the help of the Trabzonspor players. It all happened very quickly. Some of my team-mates had no choice but to defend themselves to save their lives.”Some of my team-mates had no choice but to defend themselves to save their livesAlexander DjikuFollowing the Trabzonspor attack, Fenerbahce threatened to quit the Super Lig.At the time, they pointed to further incidents including in 2015 when bullets were aimed at their team bus.They also complained of officials being “against them”.Mourinho, who also has frequent previous when it comes to slamming referees, will take over a side that failed to win the title – despite amassing 99 points.With rivals Galatasaray scooping glory after managing to accumulate 102 points, Fener fans were left raging.In one video clip circulating online, a furious supporter could be seen repeatedly stabbing a poster of club president Ali Koc.Ex-Prem stars at Fenerbahce
    JOSE MOURINHO will have a whole host of familiar faces in his dressing room when he takes over at Fenerbahce. 
    There are no fewer than SIX players in the Turkish giants’ squad who previously played in the Premier League. 
    They are:

    EDIN DZEKO Fenerbahce’s club captain was at Man City from 2011 to 2016, scoring 72 goals in 189 appearances, including the dramatic equaliser before THAT Sergio Aguero winner vs QPR
    MICHY BATSHUAYI Belgian forward arrived to much fanfare at Chelsea in 2016 but five loans in six years, two of them to Crystal Palace, showed it didn’t quite work
    FRED Man Utd spent £52m on the Brazilian holding midfielder who formed half of the underwhelming’McFred’ partnership and won just the League Cup in five years at Old Trafford
    DUSAN TADIC Serbian forward enjoyed four seasons at Southampton before returning to the Eredivisie with Ajax, reaching the Champions League semi-finals
    RYAN KENT Technically didn’t play in the Premier League but made one FA Cup appearance for boyhood club Liverpool then left for Rangers in 2019
    CENGIZ UNDER A disappointing season on loan at Leicester in 2020-21 from Roma, scoring two goals in 19 appearances for the Foxes who did not trigger their option to buy the Turkish winger.

    Galatasaray also beat Fenerbahce to their domestic cup – following an astonishing final.Amid their row with the Turkish Football Federation, Fenerbahce fielded an Under-19 team in protest for the Super Cup final.After Mauro Icardi scored just 50 seconds into the contest, Fener’s young side walked off the pitch – handing Galatasaray victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESFire will meet fire as Mourinho, defiant despite is latest sacking, will descend upon the Turkish Super Lig ahead of next season.What could possibly go wrong?Fenerbahce players walked off just a minute into the Super Cup finalCredit: APMauro Icardi and Co celebrate their unusual cup final triumphCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Olympiacos receive FIERY heroes’ welcome after Europa Conference League triumph sets semi-final clash with Aston Villa

    OLYMPIACOS received a stunning heroes’ welcome from fans back home after sealing a historic qualification to the Europa Conference League semi-finals.The Greek giants lost 1-0 to Fenerbahce in Turkey on Thursday but took the game to a dramatic penalty shootout thanks to a 3-2 victory in the first leg at Georgios Karaiskakis last week.Olympiacos received a fiery heroes’ welcome at Eleftherios Venizelos AirportCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos made it to the Europa Conference League semi-finals and will face Aston VillaCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos defeated Fenerbahce on penalties in TurkeyCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos made it to the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time everCredit: Olympiacos FCAbout two thousand Olympiacos fans welcomed the team with flaresCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis received special praise after his penalty heroicsCredit: Olympiacos FCThe visitors won 3-2 thanks to an incredible performance by 21-year-old goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis who caught three spot-kicks by Dusan Tadic, Cengiz Under and finally Leonardo Bonucci.Olympiacos are now set to compete in the semi-finals of a major European campaign for the first time in their near 100-year history.Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side flew back to Athens during the early hours and landed at 3am.The Piraeus outfit was then met by incredible scenes as about two thousand fans were out in force and set up a fiery welcome at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.Read More on FootballThe team walked through a sea of supporters who called for the club’s first ever European title.A number of Olympiacos enthusiasts lit up flares, which set up an amazing atmosphere.Tzolakis received special praise after his penalty heroics and even held one of the flares before boarding the team bus.Club icon Youssef El Arabi, on the other hand, was spotted dancing with the fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMendilibar, who only took over as Olympiacos’ third manager of the season two months ago and immediately turned a torrid campaign on its head, also enjoyed immense recognition.The Spaniard’s side is now set to lock horns with Aston Villa in the semi-finals with the first leg taking place on May 2 at Villa Park before they meet again a week later in Greece for a place in the final.Emiliano Martinez receives second yellow card during Aston Villa penalty shoot out – but DOESN’T get sent off Villa punched their ticket to the final four after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to become the only Premier League club left standing in Europe. More

  • in

    Fenerbahce field U19s then WALK OFF pitch after two minutes to forfeit Turkish Super Cup vs bitter rivals Galatasaray

    FENERBAHCE fielded a youth team and walked off the pitch two minutes into the Turkish Super Cup final and handed bitter rivals Galatasaray the trophy.Fenerbahce have been at war with the Turkish Football Federation since shocking scenes on the final whistle marred their win over Trabzonspor last month.Fenerbahce players stormed off the pitch in protestThey stormed off the field after conceding inside the first minute of the gameCredit: GettyThe move was in protest at the Turkish Football FederationCredit: GettyGalatasaray applauded the Fenerbahce Under-19 starsCredit: GettyThe win has been handed to GalatasarayCredit: GettyTheir players were attacked by opposition supporters who ran onto the field and tried to fight them.It led to ex-Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi attempting a karate kick on one attacker and Bright Osayi-Samuel landed a powerful right-hook on another during the huge brawl.Since then, Fenerbahce have been demanding change at the Turkish FA and have threatened to pull out of the Super Lig.And, in the latest episode of the saga, Fenerbahce put out their Under-19 team in the Cup final in protest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust one minute into the game, Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi scored.And moments after the goal, all of the Fenerbahce players walked off the pitch and refused to continue.There was a loud chorus of boos from the fans, as Galatasaray stars begun to applaud.The win has now been handed to Galatasaray. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut there were no major celebrations from the Cup champions as they instead decided to play a match against their own substitutes and reserves as the bizarre scenes continued.Meanwhile, it has been reported that international broadcasters have requested a refund on the fees they paid to screen the game. Chelsea flop attempts ‘spinning high kick’ on fan as hundreds invade pitch to assault Fenerbahce team in chaotic clash Fenerbahce are fuming at the Turkish FA over what they deem as not strong enough action from chiefs following several violent incidents in recent years.They also think they are not treated fairly by the governing body. Fenerbahce reportedly believe the issue stems from the infamous match-fixing scandal of 2011, which saw their ex-club president Aziz Yildirim jailed.He was later released and cleared of any wrongdoing.Fenerbahce also refer to a 2015 incident when bullets were fired at their team bus as they made their way to the airport.While they insist referees are often against them, adding that they weren’t protected by the authorities during the Trabzonspor brawl.They incident continues a season or complete disarray in Turkish football, which has also seen an official punched on the pitch by Ankaragucu’s club president back in December.Fenerbahce players were chased off the pitch by Trabzonspor supporters last monthCredit: GettyBright Osayi Samuel punched a fanThe Turkish giants have threatened to pull out the Super Lig More