Following Fenerbahce’s 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor, Jose Mourinho delivered a scathing eight-minute rant targeting Turkish football, specifically VAR decisions and the officiating system. The game saw Fred score for Fenerbahce, followed by two penalties for Trabzonspor that briefly shifted the lead. After Eden Dzeko’s equalizer, Sofyan Amrabat sealed Fenerbahce’s win with a stoppage-time goal, prompting Mourinho’s passionate reaction.
Accusations of Bias in Turkish Football
Mourinho began by accusing VAR referee Atilla Karaoglan of controlling the game from behind the scenes, suggesting he overshadowed the on-field referee. Mourinho alleged, “Karaoglan was the real referee. The one on the pitch was just a puppet.” He went on to say that he, along with Fenerbahce fans, no longer wanted Karaoglan officiating their games.
Regret Over Joining Turkish Football
Mourinho expressed disappointment, admitting he wouldn’t have joined Fenerbahce had he known the full extent of what he described as corruption. Despite these challenges, he said, “We’re not giving up. We’re fighting against opponents and a system.” He humorously blamed Fenerbahce for not telling him “the whole truth” about Turkish football dynamics before he joined.
Mourinho Calls on Turkish Fans to Speak Out
Mourinho concluded by urging Turkish fans to address the issues he perceives within their football system. “It’s not my country, but I care about my job and my club,” he said. He warned that speaking out would likely result in repercussions for him but emphasized that Turkish fans should be the ones to demand change.
