Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has made an iconic rant about refereeing in the Turkish Super Lig, claiming the league operates in a “toxic” environment.
His comments came after Galatasaray’s controversial 2-1 win over Goztepe, a result that moved them eight points clear at the top of the table.
Goztepe, feeling wronged by the refereeing of Saturday’s match, issued a statement calling for immediate action.
The club called for “an interim system of foreign referees to be established immediately” and expressed their disappointment with the league, stating: “We want a league with worthy winners.”
Speaking after Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win over Hatayspor on Sunday, Mourinho weighed in on the controversy.
He shared his frustration saying: “Everybody was saying 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 any cost and winning in this way is the worst thing.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before, it’s a scandal” 💬
Jose Mourinho has launched a scathing attack on referees in Turkey with Fenerbahce considering boycotting the Turkish Cup in protest 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/YXoeaRVVzf
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 6, 2025
“As far as feeling something that’s toxic, we feel (it), obviously, we do. After 25 years as a coach and 35 in football, 10 as an assistant, I have never seen anything like this.
“It has a dimension that goes beyond anything that can be understood. I don’t think this is a situation where a club, by fighting, is going to destroy a system that is very strong and that exists.
“This is the league where I work, it will be my league hopefully for at least two years. But this is your league.
“This is the league of every kid who loves football, who dreams of being a footballer… If you’re happy with this status quo, then be happy. I don’t think it’s something that can be solved by one club individually.”
Mourinho also criticized the officiating in Fenerbahce’s recent matches, highlighting missed calls which he felt disadvantaged his team.
“In the last two matches, we are talking about five red cards that (we had to show) against our opponents,” he said.
“The opposition knows how to play against us and our players feel it.”
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in the summer with the aim of delivering their first league title in a decade.
However, his scathing criticism of the refereeing and league structure suggests he believes there are significant off-field hurdles to overcome before he can succeed.
