January 7 – Fenerbahce’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has once again complained about refereeing in Turkey, describing the situation in Turkish football as “toxic” and called on the media “to tell the truth” about football in the country.
Mourinho lashed out at Turkish football administration after Fenerbahce’s 2:1 win over Hatayspor, strongly criticising the referees and the broader environment of the Turkish Super Lig.
“Why are you hiding the truth? What are people afraid of in this country? Is the point difference (in the table with Galatasaray) due to the football played? Speak the truth. Don’t ask me!,” he said.
Mourinho claimed that refereeing decisions in recent matches have unfairly impacted Fenerbahce.
“If the opponent’s colours were different, they could have been down to eight players. There should have been five red cards combined in the Eyupspor and Hatayspor matches. This is the situation. Our players know it, our opponents know it, and we must continue on our way,” he said.
“This is the most toxic league I’ve ever worked in. I’ve been in football for 35 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. Some decisions are beyond comprehension.”
Mourinho reflected on the challenges of competing in such an environment.
“It’s not just the club that faces these issues; the players suffer the most. Yet, we must keep working hard. This league isn’t widely followed outside of Turkey, but we will continue to focus on our performance. For us to close the gap, we need to keep winning. The question is how our rivals will drop points. That’s what matters most.” he added.
Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı also railed against refereeing in Turkey, saying that a campaign was being waged against his team.
“Our coach is in revolt and is extremely demoralised today. We talked again yesterday after the Galatasaray match. He asked, ‘Who is our opponent?’ He said, ‘Do you really think our opponent is Galatasaray?’ I couldn’t say anything. He is one of the greatest coaches in the world and has coached in the biggest leagues.
“You can’t find such rebellion anywhere else. Why is this happening to us? Why are we in this situation? It is obvious that it cannot continue like this. We are not in a situation of ‘This is what happened. Go home’. We will fight until the end. Let no one have any doubts about this. I am sure that we will reach a situation where justice will be served in Turkey. We are here to ensure this anyway. We will show our fight until the end. There is no justice in football at the moment.”
After 17 games Fenerbache are second in the Super Lig table, eight points behind leaders Galatasaray.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1736237187labto1736237187ofdlr1736237187owedi1736237187sni@o1736237187fni1736237187
