Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk responds after being scratched on the nose by Jose Mourinho in bizarre incident

Galatasaray manager blasts Jose Mourinho

Galatasary manager Okan Buruk has responded after being scratched on the nose by Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho yesterday. The Portuguese tactician physically attacked his opposite number after the Istanbul-based sides clashed in the quarterfinal of the Turkish Cup.

In a discussion with the BBC after the bizarre attack from the two-time UEFA Champions League winner, Buruk blasted Mourinho for the classless action. He said via Caught Offside:

“There was nothing between me and Mourinho. He pinched my nose from behind. There was a slight scratch. Of course, it wasn’t a very nice or elegant thing to do. We expect managers to behave more appropriately in such situations. I won’t exaggerate this issue, but it wasn’t a classy move.”

Jose Mourinho is yet to explain his actions following the incident with Galatasaray, and it remains to be seen if he will face disciplinary action. He is in his first season with Fenerbahce after joining in the summer of 2024 and has averaged 2.09 points per game in his 47 matches in charge of the team. He is contracted to the Istanbul-based side until the summer of 2026.

Galatasary Vice President slammed Jose Mourinho for scratching Okan Buruk

Galatasaray Vice President Metin Ozturk slammed Jose Mourinho for his physical attack on Okan Buruk after the Turkish Cup Clash. The Istanbul Club's executive has blasted the Portuguese tactician for his actions and urged sanctions on the former manager of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Inter Milan.

In comments made via the BBC, Ozturk blasted the Fenerbahce boss's actions and implied he acted in a manner that disrespected Turkiye, saying :

"Our manager Okan and Mourinho congratulated the referees. After that, while Okan was continuing, Mourinho first verbally and then physically attacked him. Where else in the world can he do this? What does he think of Turkey? I believe that Fenerbahce's management will impose the necessary sanction before the federation does."

Jose Mourinho and Galatasaray have endured a fractious relationship since he arrived in Istanbul. The Istanbul-based club recently accused the Portuguese manager of making racist statements after their previous meeting; the controversy between the tactician and his rivals has continued following their latest meeting.

Mourinho has failed to beat Galatasary in his three meetings with Fenerbahce's great rivals this season, losing twice and drawing once.

About the author

Patrick is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. A Business Administration graduate with a professional experience of 10 years, one of his earliest childhood memories is watching Calabar Rovers play at the U.J. Esuene Stadium with his father, with whom, he connects with, discussing the beautiful game.

Patrick’s favorite team is Manchester United for their unparallelled legacy and success in the game. He is a big admirer of Michael Carrick and his ‘smooth’ style of play back in the days. His favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who according to him, brought a ‘swagger’ to football with his unique managerial style. Robin van Persie’s title-winning volley against Aston Villa for the 2013 PL triumph is etched in his memory forever.

Patrick always uses trusted outlets that produce accurate, balanced and fair information, and which present multiple point of views. He believes in reporting in a holistic manner for the readers’ benefit. If he could change a football rule, he would increase the number of substitutions allowed due to the high number of games played these days, to reduce injuries and so that youngsters get to show their talent as well.

When not covering football, Patrick loves reading, writing poems and short stories, and spend time with his dog Lana.

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Edited by Ankush Das