In yet another dramatic turn of events involving Jose Mourinho, the Fenerbahce manager added a new chapter to his colourful career during a heated Turkish Cup quarterfinal encounter against fierce rivals Galatasaray. The Portuguese tactician was shown a red card following a post-match altercation in which he appeared to grab Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk by the nose — an incident that quickly went viral on social media and reignited debates about Mourinho’s touchline behavior.
The match, held at Turk Telekom Arena in Istanbul, saw Galatasaray secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce, eliminating them from the prestigious domestic competition. As expected from a derby between two of Turkey’s most storied and passionate clubs, emotions ran high throughout the contest, culminating in ugly scenes after the final whistle.
Tensions boiled over in stoppage time when a mass confrontation broke out between players from both sides, resulting in straight red cards for Mert Hakan Yandas (Fenerbahce), Baris Alper Yilmaz, and Kerem Demirbay (both from Galatasaray). The scuffle reflected the intensity and ferocity of the rivalry, often referred to as The Intercontinental Derby — one of the fiercest football rivalries in the world.
However, the most talked-about moment came after the match ended. In a shocking and unorthodox gesture, Mourinho was caught on camera pulling Okan Buruk by the nose in a manner perceived by many as both aggressive and mocking. Buruk reacted by dramatically falling to the ground, clutching his face, thereby amplifying the incident’s theatrical aspect.
Jose Mourinho appeared to pull Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk's nose during the Istanbul derby 😳 pic.twitter.com/31H6qbcMJX
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 2, 2025
The referee promptly issued Mourinho a red card, sparking speculation on what sanctions the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) might impose on the Fenerbahçe manager. In the wake of the incident, fans and pundits alike have debated whether the act constituted physical aggression or gamesmanship taken too far. Regardless, Mourinho’s conduct is once again under scrutiny — something that has become nearly synonymous with his managerial career.
Contextualizing the Derby: A Rivalry Fueled by History
The Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahçe rivalry is one of the most intense and historically rich in European football. Dating back over a century, matches between these sides often unfold with high-stakes drama both on and off the pitch. The stakes in this fixture were even higher, given it was a final-eight showdown in the domestic cup, a trophy both clubs are eager to claim during a season that has seen them neck-and-neck in the Super Lig title race.
Jose Mourinho, known worldwide as “The Special One” is no stranger to controversy or touchline theatrics. Since taking charge of Fenerbahce, he has brought global attention to Turkish football. However, his latest antics may result in disciplinary action that could see him suspended from crucial upcoming fixtures. The Turkish Football Federation is expected to review video footage and deliver a verdict in the coming days.
Looking Ahead: Potential Implications
Should Mourinho face a ban, it would be a significant blow to Fenerbahce, who are still in the hunt for the Süper Lig title. Given his tactical expertise and leadership from the sidelines, any absence could impact the team’s championship aspirations.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s hard-fought victory propels them to the semifinals of the Turkish Cup, giving them a chance to secure domestic silverware in addition to their league ambitions. The match will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for another chapter of the Mourinho show—dramatic, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.