Turkish club Fenerbahce will launch legal action after Bittle Rivals Galatasaray accused its manager Jose Mourinho of racism.
In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, the Turkish club’s vice president, Acun Ilicali, revealed that Fenerbahce had extensive talks with lawyers after a chaotic night as the two clubs held a futile raffle on Monday night, February 24.
After the game, former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur coaches were accused of racial discrimination by Galatasaray.
Mourinho commented on Galatasaray’s bench “Monkeys” jump after an early challenge, and the game got better because it was not hosted by a Turkish referee, and Slovenian Slovenian Slavko Vincic was supervised.
In response to comments, Galatasaray issued a statement formally announcing criminal proceedings and official complaints against UEFA and FIFA.
Since then, videos of Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk have appeared in the game.
Ilicali defended Mourinho and revealed that Fenerbahce had spoken to the lawyers about the issue.
“More than 110% of us are sure that his target is not racist,” Ilicali told Mail Sport.
“The history of his life has always established good relationships with people from all over the world.
“This is so clear and understandable. This is an insult to the wisdom of some people.
“They are tired of manipulating Jose’s description, and at the end of the day we see a fake and dramatic approach from Galatasaray.
“When he said they jumped like monkeys, he described the movement, which is understandable because the lens is now open.
“He is just describing it, like saying “You run like a rabbit” or “You are bad like a snake.”
“We use animals when we use some exaggerated descriptions in our lives, which is simple.”
When asked if the club would take action against Galatasaray, Ilicali replied: “We will blame our coach against Galatasaray’s court because it is a very disgusting allegation.
Ilicali also confirmed Fenerbahce had talks with lawyers on Tuesday.
Galatasaray’s statement was accompanied by the word “say no to racism”: “Since his management responsibilities in Turkey began, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho insisted on sending derogatory words against the Turkish people.
“Today, his words gradually escalate, just immoral comments, and speak unceremoniously.
“We hereby formally announce our intention to initiate a criminal lawsuit regarding racist remarks made by Mourinho and therefore should file an official complaint with UEFA and FIFA.
“In addition, we will strive to observe the stance taken by Fenerbahce, an institution designed to uphold “exemplary moral values”, in response to the condemnable behavior displayed by its managers.”
