In a moment that will be replayed for years to come, Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho once again found himself at the center of a footballing storm. During a fiery Turkish Cup quarter-final clash against arch-rivals Galatasaray on April 2, 2025, Mourinho approached opposing coach Okan Buruk after the final whistle and, in a move that left spectators bewildered, pinched his nose. The bizarre act resulted in Buruk dramatically falling to the ground, setting off a chaotic melee that saw players and staff from both teams storming onto the pitch.
The match had already been a heated affair, with Galatasaray clinching a 2-1 victory. But Mourinho’s post-match antics ensured that the headlines would focus more on his peculiar behavior than the football itself. Social media erupted instantly, with memes and reactions flooding the internet, many dubbing it the “Pinch Heard ‘Round Turkey.”
A Match to Remember—For the Wrong Reasons
Before the nose-pinching fiasco, the game itself had been an intense showdown. Victor Osimhen put Galatasaray ahead early on, showcasing his finishing prowess, while Fenerbahce’s Sebastian Szymanski equalized with a stunning strike, igniting the fierce rivalry even further.
Tensions, however, escalated dramatically in stoppage time when a late Galatasaray winner fueled emotions on both sides. What followed was pure chaos—a mass confrontation resulted in three players and a Fenerbahce assistant coach being sent off, making the referee’s job a nightmare. The game ended with football taking a back seat to the theatrics unfolding both on and off the pitch.
Mourinho’s Greatest Hits (and Pinches)
Mourinho’s nose-pinch episode is just the latest in a career filled with unforgettable touchline moments. Turkish football fans were already familiar with his antics, given his recent four-match suspension and fine for criticizing referees following a draw with Galatasaray.
Adding fuel to the fire, José was previously accused of making racist remarks, leading Fenerbahce to file a defamation lawsuit against their fierce rivals. Now, his latest controversy has only widened the already gaping rift between the two clubs. But for seasoned Mourinho watchers, this wasn’t entirely unexpected—after all, who could forget the infamous 2011 incident when he poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye?
Rivalry Reignited: Fenerbahce vs. Galatasaray
Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have never needed an excuse to dislike each other. Their rivalry, already one of the most heated in world football, has now been injected with a fresh dose of animosity thanks to Mourinho’s latest antics. Fans of both sides are split—some see Mourinho’s actions as another example of his eccentric genius, while others view it as unnecessary provocation.
Meanwhile, Turkish football authorities are left to pick up the pieces. With investigations already underway, the question remains: Will Mourinho face yet another ban, or will he somehow wriggle out of this mess with his usual defiant charm?
The Aftermath: What’s Next for Mourinho?
As always, the Special One remains unfazed. When questioned about the incident, Mourinho reportedly quipped, “It was just a little pinch, nothing more.” Fenerbahce, on the other hand, has remained relatively silent, possibly preparing to defend their manager against what could be yet another disciplinary action.
For Turkish football, this is just another chapter in the ongoing Mourinho drama—a man who never fails to bring controversy, passion, and entertainment to the game. Whether he sees out his tenure at Fenerbahce without further fireworks is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure: Turkish football is never boring with José in town.
