Jose Mourinho unleashes angry tirade about Turkish Super Lig officiating following Galatasaray controversy
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has delivered an iconic tirade about refereeing in the Turkish Süper Lig, claiming the league operates in a “toxic” environment.
His comments came after Galatasaray’s controversial 2-1 win over Goztepe, a result that left them eight points clear at the top of the table.
Göztepe felt disadvantaged by the referee in Saturday’s game and called for immediate action in a statement.
The club called for the “immediate establishment of a temporary foreign refereeing system” and expressed its disappointment with the league, stating: “We want a league of deserving winners.”
After Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win over Hatayspor on Sunday, Mourinho spoke out about the controversy.
He shared his frustration by saying, “Everyone said the same thing, scandal, scandal. I learned a new word (in Turkish).
“I think some of you (media) like it. Even the winners like it, which is the worst of all. Because winning at all costs and winning this way is the worst.
“I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s a scandal” 💬
Jose Mourinho has launched a scathing attack on referees in Turkey as Fenerbahce consider boycotting the Turkish Cup in protest 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/YXoeaRVVzf
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 6, 2025
“As for feeling something toxic, we feel it, obviously we feel it. After 25 years as a coach and 35 in football, including 10 as an assistant, I have never experienced anything like this.
“It has a dimension that goes beyond anything that can be understood. I don’t believe that a single club will destroy a very strong and existing system with its fight.
“This is the league I work in, it will hopefully be my league for at least two years. But that’s your league.
“This is the league of every kid who loves football and dreams of becoming a football player… If you’re happy with this status quo, then be happy.” I don’t think it’s something one club can solve individually. “
Mourinho also criticized the officiating of Fenerbahce’s recent games, pointing to missed calls which he said put his team at a disadvantage.
“In the last two games we are talking about five red cards that should have been shown against our opponents,” he said.
“The opponent knows how to play against us and our players sense that.”
Mourinho moved to Fenerbahce in the summer with the aim of winning their first league title in a decade.
However, his harsh criticism of the refereeing and league structure suggests that he believes there are significant obstacles off the field that must be overcome before he can be successful.
