Jose Mourinho Could Face Heavy Punishment for Pinching Galatasaray Boss Okan Buruk’s Nose

Jose Mourinho Faces Lengthy Ban After Pinching Rival Manager in Chaotic Derby Clash
By Sam Brookes | Updated: 09:17 BST, 3 April 2025

Jose Mourinho’s fiery temper has landed him in hot water again, with the Fenerbahce manager facing a potential suspension of up to 10 matches after pinching Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk’s nose during a post-match brawl in Wednesday’s Turkish Cup clash. The incident, which overshadowed Fenerbahce’s 2-1 elimination, could see Mourinho sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The Incident That Sparked Chaos

The heated Istanbul derby took a bizarre turn after the final whistle when Mourinho approached Buruk on the pitch and pinched his nose. Buruk collapsed to the ground clutching his face, triggering a mass altercation involving players and staff. Three red cards were shown in the chaos—Fenerbahce’s Mert Yandas and Galatasaray’s Kerem Demirbay and Baris Yilmaz—as tensions boiled over.

[Image: Mourinho pinching Buruk’s nose; caption: Mourinho’s nose-pinch sparked immediate chaos.]

Potential Punishment Looms

Turkish football regulations suggest Mourinho’s actions could be deemed either “unsportsmanlike conduct” (1-3 match ban) or “assault” (5-10 games or 45-90 days suspended). With Fenerbahce trailing league leaders Galatasaray by six points (with a game in hand), a lengthy ban would severely dent their title hopes. The disciplinary board’s verdict is expected soon.

[Image: Buruk on the ground; caption: Buruk fell to the pitch after the altercation.]

A Rivalry at Breaking Point

The clash caps months of escalating tensions between the clubs. In February, Mourinho sued Galatasaray after they accused him of racism for stating their bench “jumped like monkeys” during a previous derby. Ex-players like Didier Drogba and Michael Essien defended Mourinho, who insisted his words were misrepresented.

Galatasaray further fueled the feud by posting a mocking video of a cartoon Mourinho crying in a psychiatric ward after Wednesday’s loss.

[Image: Mourinho during the match; caption: Mourinho’s season hangs in the balance.]

League Implications

Fenerbahce’s title bid hinges on Mourinho’s availability. A suspension exceeding five matches would leave them without their manager for critical fixtures. Galatasaray, meanwhile, sit atop the league and appear poised to capitalize on their rivals’ turmoil.

What’s Next?

The Football Disciplinary Board’s ruling will set a precedent for conduct in Turkish football. For Mourinho—a manager no stranger to controversy—this incident adds another chapter to his turbulent career. Fans await whether his touchline antics will cost Fenerbahce their season.

[Embedded Tweet: Footage of the brawl with police intervention]

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