By Springs News NG | February 28, 2025

Fenerbahce has officially appealed Jose Mourinho’s four-game suspension following the controversy that erupted after their goalless draw against Galatasaray on Monday. The Turkish club confirmed the appeal to Sky Sports News as they seek to overturn the ban imposed by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

Mourinho, who has already served one match of the suspension during Fenerbahce’s 4-1 Turkish Cup victory over Gaziantep on Thursday, faces the possibility of missing three more domestic fixtures if the appeal is unsuccessful.

The Portuguese coach was handed the ban and fined £35,000 after Galatasaray accused him of making racist remarks. The controversy stemmed from Mourinho’s post-match comments, where he described the Galatasaray bench as “jumping like monkeys” following an early challenge. He also implied that the game was better officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic instead of a Turkish referee, a statement that further fueled tensions.

In response, Galatasaray announced their intention to take legal action against Mourinho, claiming his remarks were not only racist but also insulting to Turkish people.

TFF’s Verdict and Fines

On Thursday, the TFF’s Professional Football Disciplinary Board confirmed Mourinho’s punishment, citing two separate disciplinary offenses. According to the federation, Mourinho confronted match officials in the referees’ room and made “derogatory and offensive statements” toward the fourth official, who was Turkish. Additionally, his remarks in the post-match press conference were deemed inappropriate and a violation of fair play principles.

The TFF imposed:

• A two-match ban from both the dressing room and touchline, along with a fine of 117,000 Turkish lira (£2,500).
• An additional two-match ban and a fine of 1.5 million TL (£32,655) for his post-match press conference comments, which were deemed divisive and potentially inciting violence.

Mourinho Defended by Drogba, Fenerbahce Stands Firm

Amid the racism allegations, former Chelsea and Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba came to Mourinho’s defense, calling the Portuguese coach a father figure. Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and later had a stint in Turkey, dismissed the accusations against his former manager in a social media post.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce released a statement insisting Mourinho’s comments were “taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted,” rejecting any association with racism.

Title Race Heats Up

The controversy comes at a crucial moment in the Super Lig title race, with Galatasaray leading Fenerbahce by six points. If they secure their 25th league title, they will add a fifth star to their club crest.

With the appeal process underway, Mourinho’s fate remains uncertain, and the