Subject: Mourinho, manager of Fenerbahce, achieved partial success.

'ESPN' reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "Mourinho's punishment has been reduced by half. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) reviewed Fenerbahce's appeal and has reduced his four-match ban."

After the match on the 25th of last month, Mourinho made controversial remarks. At that time, Fenerbahce drew 0-0 with Galatasaray in the 'Istanbul derby' in the 25th round of the 2024-2025 Turkish Super League held at Rams Park in Istanbul, Turkey. Fenerbahce, in second place (58 points), failed to close the gap with first-place Galatasaray (64 points).

In the post-match press conference, Mourinho praised the referee, Slavko Vinčić, from Slovenia, while criticizing Turkish referees. He noted, "The referee was the best," and added, "I went to the referee's dressing room after the match. Of course, the fourth official was a Turkish referee. I told him that if he had been the main referee, it would have been a disaster."

He did not hold back on criticizing Galatasaray. Mourinho stated, "Once again, I have to thank the referee. Because if it were a Turkish referee, the Galatasaray bench would be running around like monkeys on top of the kids after a major dive. Then, a minute later, they would receive yellow cards, and five minutes later, they would have to take off their uniforms."

In response, Galatasaray immediately protested. The Galatasaray club stated, "Since Mourinho started his managerial role in Turkey, he has consistently made contemptuous remarks toward the Turkish people. Today, his discourse has clearly risen beyond mere immoral statements to overtly inhumane expressions."

They have even warned of legal action. Galatasaray stated, "We officially declare our intention to initiate a criminal procedure regarding Mourinho's racist remarks. Accordingly, we will submit a formal complaint to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)."

Okan Buruk, the coach of Galatasaray, also attacked Mourinho. He stated, "It took a long time for Mourinho to start crying. (Not the Special One) but the Crying One... he is famous for crying. He cried a lot here. Mourinho cried inside. He went into the referee's room to cry. Let him keep crying!"

Buruk also emphasized, "Mourinho went into the referee's room. It is very wrong for him to speak insultingly to Turkish referees. This is very wrong. I can't believe he humiliates Turkish referees like that. I condemn that behavior."

The conflict between the two teams has not settled down easily. Galatasaray shared the slogan '#SayNoToRacism' and criticized Mourinho as a racist. In response, Fenerbahce retorted that Galatasaray was "completely out of context and deliberately distorting the situation to stir controversy."

Even Mourinho's former disciples joined the fight. Didier Drogba, who played for Galatasaray, stated, "I have heard stories about Mourinho. Having known him for 25 years, I can say he is not a racist. History proves that." He even referred to Mourinho as a father, saying, "There is no way my father could be a racist."

Another former Chelsea player, Michael Essien, also voiced support. He expressed his support for Mourinho by posting an old photo with Drogba and Mourinho on social media, adding hearts.

However, the TFF decided to punish Mourinho for making 'contemptuous and insulting remarks towards Turkish referees.' His remarks were deemed a violation of sports ethics and could incite violence and disorder among fans. Mourinho had previously received a suspension and fine for criticizing referee decisions last November.

Fenerbahce and Mourinho's camp immediately filed an appeal. As a result, part of the appeal was accepted, and the suspension was reduced to two matches. The fine amount was also halved. Mourinho was originally supposed to pay a fine of 1.6 million lira (approximately 64 million won), but this has now been reduced to 800,000 lira (approximately 32 million won).

As a result, Mourinho will be able to sit on the bench and lead the team starting from the match against Samsunspor on the 16th. This is welcome news for Fenerbahce ahead of an important match against third-placed Samsunspor.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce is also continuing its legal battle with Galatasaray. The Fenerbahce club announced that it demands non-monetary damages of 1.907 million lira (approximately 76 million won) from Galatasaray due to attacks on Mourinho's personal rights. This is interpreted as a counterattack against calling Mourinho a racist.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (reproduction and redistribution prohibited), CBS Sports, Golazo, Sky Sports, Galatasaray, Michael Essien's social media.

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