Jose Mourinho was reportedly “triggered” by Victor Osimhen’s silence gesture during Fenerbahce’s intense and heated goalless draw against Galatasaray in the highly anticipated Istanbul derby. The match, which was expected to be a fierce contest between the two Turkish football giants, lived up to expectations with its chaotic atmosphere, aggressive tackles, and controversial moments.
The ill-tempered Istanbul derby was marred by fan disruptions, with flares thrown from the stands, adding to the already charged environment. Security presence was significantly heightened, with heavy police deployment before, during, and after the game to prevent any outbreaks of violence between rival supporters. Both sets of fans were in full voice, creating an intimidating atmosphere that fueled the competitive tension on the pitch.
Mourinho, who has always been known for his passionate and sometimes confrontational approach to football, found himself frustrated by several incidents throughout the game. His emotions boiled over when Victor Osimhen went down in the penalty box around the 30-minute mark, seemingly appealing for a penalty after what appeared to be a challenge from a Galatasaray defender. However, the referee swiftly waved away the appeals, ruling that there was no foul, which further enraged Mourinho.
In response to the decision and the growing tension, Osimhen made a bold move by directing a shushing gesture toward Mourinho, seemingly silencing his protests from the sidelines. This act further escalated tensions between the two, reigniting past disputes and fueling the already heated atmosphere of the derby.
The history between Mourinho and Osimhen stretches back to their time in Serie A, where Mourinho, then managing AS Roma, had previously accused Osimhen of diving too often in matches. That rivalry appeared to resurface in Turkey, as Mourinho’s frustration with the Nigerian striker’s antics seemed to reach a boiling point once again.
Further controversy erupted after the final whistle when Mourinho made headlines again for his post-match comments. The Portuguese coach allegedly accused Galatasaray’s coaching staff of “jumping like monkeys” during moments of celebration, a remark that has sparked widespread outrage and led to accusations of racism. Legal action is reportedly being considered against Mourinho, with many calling for disciplinary action from the Turkish football authorities.
The Istanbul derby, already one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Turkish football, was filled with hostility even before the first whistle was blown. In a rare show of animosity, both teams refused to shake hands before kick-off, setting the tone for a match filled with fiery challenges, heated exchanges, and non-stop controversy. The match ended in a goalless stalemate, but the aftermath has ensured that discussions around the game will continue long after the final whistle.