José Mourinho has filed a lawsuit against Galatasaray, seeking roughly $52,000 in damages. The figure reflects Fenerbahce‘s founding year, 1907, a symbolic choice that his club views as a statement of principle rather than mere financial gain.
Many point to Mourinho’s comments after a hard-fought derby that ended 0-0. He described Galatasaray’s bench as “jumping like monkeys,” which some interpreted as a racist remark. Fenerbahce insists the phrase was aimed at what Mourinho felt was unsportsmanlike conduct, not anyone’s racial or ethnic background.
Galatasaray, however, has stood by its view that the language used was discriminatory. The club indicated it may pursue criminal proceedings, though there’s no official confirmation that those steps have begun. In contrast, Fenerbahce describes the allegations as distorted. “They were taken completely out of context,” the club said, arguing that Mourinho’s words shouldn’t be labeled racist.
A heated derby controversy
The Turkish Football Federation handed Mourinho a four-match ban and a $44,000 fine, citing his criticism of local referees and the comments aimed at Galatasaray’s bench.
Mourinho had praised Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic for a “top performance” and suggested that a Turkish official for such a tense derby “would’ve been a disaster.” While this critique contributed to his disciplinary trouble, Galatasaray’s racism accusation revolves specifically around the “jumping like monkeys” remark.
Didier Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and later joined Galatasaray, came to his former coach’s defense. “He’s not a racist and history is there to prove it,” Drogba said, calling him a “father figure.” Fenerbahce has echoed that sentiment, accusing Galatasaray of infringing on Mourinho’s personal rights by labeling him a racist.
For now, the lawsuit moves forward. Fenerbahce stresses they filed it only after what they perceive as an unjust attack on their manager’s character. Galatasaray maintains its stance but hasn’t offered further public details about any planned or ongoing legal action.
Where the case goes from here depends on how the courts interpret Mourinho’s intent and the context around his remarks. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Mourinho aiming to clear his name while serving a league-imposed suspension.
