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Mourinho and Buruk Clash: Nose Pinch Incident Mars Turkish Cup Derby
In a heated Turkish Cup quarter-final clash, José Mourinho, the Fenerbahce manager, appeared to become embroiled in a controversial incident with Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk, seemingly pinching Buruk’s nose after Fenerbahce’s 2-1 defeat to their Istanbul rivals. The ill-tempered match, which saw multiple red cards, concluded with dramatic scenes involving the two head coaches.
Video Emerges of Mourinho-Buruk Post-Match Altercation
Video footage captured after the final whistle appears to show Mourinho confronting Buruk and pinching his nose. The Galatasaray coach reacted by falling to the ground, clutching his face. As Mourinho was led away from the scene, Buruk remained on the pitch. The match itself was already fraught with tension, with three dismissals from the benches during the game.
Galatasaray Official Condemns Mourinho’s Actions
Galatasaray vice-president Metin Ozturk strongly criticized Mourinho’s behavior, alleging that the Fenerbahce manager initiated both verbal and physical aggression against Buruk following discussions with match officials. Ozturk questioned Mourinho’s conduct and called for Fenerbahce to take internal disciplinary action, even before any potential federation sanctions.
Buruk Downplays Incident, Admits “Unclassy” Move
In the post-match press conference, Okan Buruk attempted to minimize the significance of the event, though he conceded that Mourinho’s actions were “not a classy move.” Buruk acknowledged the nose pinch, describing it as a minor scratch, and expressed his expectation for managers to exhibit more appropriate conduct. Despite downplaying the issue, he stated it was not an elegant gesture for a manager.
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Osimhen’s Brace Decisive in Galatasaray’s Victory
On the field of play, Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Galatasaray’s triumph, scoring twice in the first half of the quarter-final match. The Nigerian striker capitalized on a loose ball in the 10th minute to score the opening goal, and later converted a penalty in the 27th minute following a VAR review that penalized Filip Kostic for a handball inside the box.
VAR Interventions and Szymanski’s Response
Sebastian Szymanski managed to reduce the deficit for Fenerbahce just before halftime, with another VAR intervention overruling an initial offside call. In the second half, Galatasaray goalkeeper Irfan Egribayat made a crucial save against Gabriel Sara, ensuring the Super Lig leaders, managed by Buruk, secured the victory and advanced their pursuit of a league and cup double.
Multiple Red Cards Issued in Stoppage Time Fracas
Late in the game, a heated exchange in stoppage time resulted in red cards for several individuals. Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz, recently substituted, and unused substitute Kerem Demirbay were both sent off. From the Fenerbahce bench, Mert Hakan Yandas also received a red card. Subsequently, Mourinho was also dismissed after the final whistle for his confrontation with Buruk.
Galatasaray Taunts Fenerbahce on Social Media
Continuing the post-match animosity, Galatasaray added fuel to the fire on social media, posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “you should not attack, you should digest,” accompanied by an image of a smiling Buruk next to a less cheerful Mourinho. Galatasaray currently holds a six-point lead over Fenerbahce in the Super Lig, with one more game played, and this victory further strengthens their aspirations for a domestic double.
Past Accusations of Racism and Previous Bans
Racism Allegations Earlier in the Season
Earlier in February, Galatasaray accused Mourinho of racist remarks following a goalless Super Lig draw between the two Istanbul teams. Galatasaray claimed Mourinho used “unequivocally inhumane rhetoric” when he reportedly referred to the opposition bench as “jumping around like monkeys.”
Fenerbahce’s Legal Response
Fenerbahce refuted the racism allegations and announced they had initiated legal proceedings against Galatasaray, citing an “attack on the personal rights” of Mourinho.
Mourinho’s History of On-Pitch Incidents
In 2011, during his tenure as Real Madrid manager, Mourinho was involved in a similar controversial incident, poking Tito Vilanova, then Barcelona’s assistant coach, in the eye during a heated Super Cup match. He received a two-match suspension, which was later rescinded as part of a broader amnesty in 2012.
Turkish Cup Semi-Final Lineup
Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray will now face Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup semi-finals. Trabzonspor also progressed to the semi-finals, overcoming Bodrumspor 3-2 after extra time in a match marked by three red cards.
German and Italian Cup Updates
Stuttgart Advances to German Cup Final
VfB Stuttgart secured a place in the German Cup final for the first time in 12 years with a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, exacerbating the challenges for their struggling opponents. Stuttgart will compete against third-division side Arminia Bielefeld in the final.
Stuttgart’s goals were scored by Angelo Stiller, Nick Woltemade, and Jamie Leweling, while Benjamin Sesko scored for Leipzig. Leipzig recently dismissed their coach, Marco Rose, amidst a Bundesliga downturn.
Milan and Inter Draw in Coppa Italia Derby
In the Coppa Italia, Inter Milan salvaged a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Tammy Abraham put Milan ahead, but Hakan Calhanoglu equalized for Inter with a long-distance strike. The winner of this tie is expected to face Bologna in the final.
Reims Ends Cannes’ French Cup Run
Stade de Reims defeated fourth-tier Cannes 2-1 in the Coupe de France semi-finals, concluding Cannes’ impressive cup journey. Reims will play against Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Hafiz Ibrahim and Teddy Teuma scored for Reims, while Cheikh Ndoye scored for Cannes.