Galatasaray have accused Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho of “physically assaulting” their manager Okan Buruk after he appeared to grab their manager Okan Buruk’s nose after a fiery derby in the Turkish Cup.
The incident occurred after the final whistle at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, while both managers were interacting with match officials in the centre circle.
Mourinho appeared to approach Buruk from behind and pinch his nose, causing the Galatasaray manager to fall to the ground with his hands covering his face.
“Our manager Okan and Mourinho congratulated the referees. Then, as Okan was walking forward, Mourinho attacked him first verbally and then physically,” said Galatasaray vice-president Metin Öztürk.
“Where else in the world could he do this? What does he think of Turkey?”
“I believe that the Fenerbahçe management will impose the necessary sanctions before the federation.”
Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup semi-final 2-1 with Victor Osimhen scoring twice for the visitors.
BBC Sport has contacted Fenerbahçe for a response.
Buruk, who enjoyed two spells at Galatasaray as a player before returning as manager in 2022, played down the incident in his post-match news conference.
“There was nothing between me and Mourinho,” Buruk said.
“He pinched the back of my nose. There was a slight scratch. Of course, it wasn’t very nice or elegant.
“We expect managers to behave more appropriately in such situations. I’m not exaggerating the issue, but it’s not a classic move.”
Fenerbahçe substitute Mert Yandus and Galatasaray substitutes Kerem Demirbay and Baris Yilmaz were shown red cards for their involvement in a clash between the two benches during stoppage time.
Following a goalless draw between the two clubs in the Turkish Super League in February, Galatasaray said they would “take criminal action” against Mourinho, claiming he had made “racist remarks”.
The Turkish Football Federation also handed Mourinho a four-match ban and a fine of £35,194 for two separate disciplinary matters.
Mourinho responded by launching a lawsuit against Galatasaray for “attacking the Portuguese’s privacy rights”.
