Jose Mourinho received a yellow card as Fenerbahce’s title ambitions in the Turkish Super Lig took a hit following a goalless draw against Galatasaray.
The much-anticipated Istanbul derby at Rams Park saw Turkey’s top two sides lock horns in a match filled with tension and high stakes.
However, beyond the championship race, the officiating was a major talking point before kickoff.
For the first time in Turkish Super Lig history, a foreign referee was assigned to officiate a league game, with Slovenian official Slavko Vincic taking charge amid growing concerns over refereeing standards and allegations of bias.
Vincic, who officiated last season’s Champions League final, was seen as a significant appointment.
Mourinho, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with refereeing in Turkey since joining Fenerbahce last summer, supported the decision.
“The decision has been made and he is a top-level referee, I think it is important for credibility,” Mourinho told Turkish outlet Hurriyet.
“I am happy with this decision. Although it may not seem like it sometimes, I am a person who wants fair play. We want to win, they want to win. I hope it will be a big match.”
Despite his initial approval of the referee, Mourinho found himself in Vincic’s book.
The first half was particularly heated, with one controversial moment seeing a Fenerbahce goal ruled out due to a foul on Galatasaray’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the build-up.
The decision led to on-field protests, raising the intensity of the contest.
The tension escalated around the half-hour mark when Victor Osimhen went down in the box after a push. His penalty appeal was waved away, prompting him to turn towards Mourinho with a “silence” gesture.
The move sparked a confrontation between both benches, resulting in yellow cards for both Mourinho and Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk.
Osimhen’s reaction may have been influenced by Mourinho’s past remarks after his surprise transfer to Galatasaray last summer.
The Portuguese coach had previously taken a swipe at the Nigerian striker, claiming he “dives too much,” possibly fueling the moment between them.
Fenerbahce pressed for a breakthrough in the second half, but Muslera’s heroics ensured both teams settled for a draw.
The result favours Galatasaray, who maintain a six-point cushion at the top, leaving Fenerbahce with an uphill battle to dethrone the reigning champions with 12 matches remaining.
