Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has once again rejected claims that his remarks following the intense Istanbul derby against Galatasaray were racially motivated.
The Portuguese coach insists that his words were misunderstood and that those aware of his deep-rooted African connections would not have misinterpreted them.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) initially handed Mourinho a four-match suspension and a fine after he described the behavior of the Galatasaray bench as “jumping around like monkeys.” However, the governing body later reduced both the ban and the fine.
Galatasaray responded strongly, announcing their intention to initiate criminal proceedings, branding Mourinho’s comments as “racist statements.”
In retaliation, Mourinho and Fenerbahce have launched legal action, seeking to reclaim 1.907 million Turkish lira ($52,000), a symbolic sum representing the year of Fenerbahce’s foundation (1907).
Also See: Fenerbahce Manager Jose Mourinho Hit with Four-Match Ban and Fine by TFF
Mourinho Defends Himself: “I Know Who I Am”
Speaking in an exclusive Sky Sports interview, Mourinho stood firm against the accusations, stating he felt unfairly targeted.
“They were not clever in the way they attacked me because they didn’t know my past,” Mourinho asserted.
“They didn’t know my connections with Africa my relationships with African people, players, and charities.”
He further claimed that the accusations had backfired on his critics.
“Instead of harming me, I think it boomeranged and went against them. Everyone knows who I am. People may criticize my bad qualities, but racism is not one of them quite the opposite.”
“The most important thing is that I know who I am. The accusation of racism was a poor choice.”
Fenerbahce Focused on Europa League Challenge
Despite the controversy, Mourinho is now shifting focus to European competition. His side, Fenerbahce, will host Rangers on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie, as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.
This incident continues to make headlines in Turkish football, with legal battles and disciplinary actions ongoing. Mourinho, however, remains unapologetic, standing firm on his stance against the allegations.
