Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has delivered an iconic rant on refereeing in the Turkish Super Lig, claiming the league operates in a “toxic” environment.
His comments came after Galatasaray’s controversial 2-1 victory over Goztepe, a result that put them eight points clear at the top of the table.
Goztepe, feeling wronged by the officiating in Saturday’s game, issued a statement demanding immediate action.
The club called for a “temporary foreign referee system to be established immediately” and expressed their frustration with the league, stating, “We want a League of Deserved Winners.”
Speaking after Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win against 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 thing of all. Because to win at any cost and to win in this way is the worst thing.
“I never saw 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
“In terms of the feeling of something that is toxic, we feel [it], obviously, we feel. After 25 years as a coach and 35 in football, 10 as an assistant, I’ve never seen anything like this.
“It has a dimension that goes above anything that can be understandable. I don’t think this is a situation that a single club, fighting, is going to destroy a system that is very strong and that is in place.
“This is the league where I work, it’s going to be my league hopefully for two years minimum. But this is your league.
“This is the league of every kid that loves football, that dreams of being a football player… If you are happy with this status quo, then be happy. I don’t think it’s something that a club individually can resolve.”
Mourinho also criticised officiating in Fenerbahce’s recent matches, highlighting missed calls that he felt disadvantaged his team.
“In the last two matches, we are speaking about five red cards that [should have been shown] against our opponents,” he said.
“The opposition know how they can play against us, and our players feel it.”
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in the summer with the goal of delivering their first league title in a decade.
However, his scathing critique of the refereeing and league structure suggests he believes there are significant obstacles beyond the pitch that need to be addressed before he can be successful.