The Turkish Cup quarterfinal clash between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, held on April 1, ended in scandal as José Mourinho was caught on camera confronting Okan Buruk in a shocking post-match incident. Galatasaray had just secured a 2-1 victory, but the attention quickly shifted from the pitch to the managers’ heated exchange.

Mourinho Sparks Controversy With Nose Pinch

According to multiple international outlets including talkSPORT and AP News, Mourinho approached the Galatasaray manager after the final whistle and pinched his nose, causing Buruk to lose balance and fall to the ground. The footage went viral within minutes, drawing widespread criticism for what many labeled an “unprofessional” and “provocative” gesture from the Portuguese coach.

The scene unfolded amid a match already brimming with tension. A mass brawl broke out involving players and staff, prompting police intervention. Three red cards were shown: Kerim Demirbay and Barış Yılmaz for Galatasaray, and Mert Yandaş for Fenerbahçe.

The animosity between Mourinho and Buruk has been building for months. Back in February 2025, following a goalless draw in the Süper Lig, Buruk called Mourinho a “crybaby” over his repeated complaints about refereeing decisions. Since then, verbal jabs between the two coaches have become common in pre-match press conferences.

Legal and Disciplinary Fallout

Fenerbahçe has responded by filing a lawsuit against Galatasaray, claiming a violation of José Mourinho’s “personal rights” and demanding 1,907,000 Turkish lira in damages.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Football Federation has referred Mourinho to the Disciplinary Committee, citing unsporting behavior and offensive conduct. If found guilty, he could face a ban of up to six months, a potentially massive blow for Fenerbahçe in their domestic title race.