Mourinho given three-match ban after Buruk nose pinch incident | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has been banned for three matches in the Turkish Super Lig after he pinched the nose of his Galatasaray counterpart Okan Buruk during the fiercely contested derby in Istanbul earlier in the week.

Mourinho suspension confirmed after Galatasaray scrap

Mourinho’s Fenerbahce were beaten 2-1 by their eternal rivals in the Turkish Cup on Tuesday night. Always a heated affair to say the least, and not for the first time, there was a brawl between the players and coaching staff on the pitch at full-time.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY APRIL 2: Head coach Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce confront with head coach Okan Buruk of Galatasaray celebrates victory during the Turkish Super League match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at Ulker Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on April 2, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Four players, two from each side were handed red cards after the full-time whistle: Fenerbahce’s Fred and Mert Hakan Yandas, Kerem Demibray and Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray.

As well as the players’ fights, Mourinho appeared to approach Galatasaray head coach Buruk and pinch him on the nose in the centre-circle while the chaos ensued around them.

In reaction, Buruk fell to the floor, clutching his face in apparent agony.

The authorities have since confirmed that Mourinho will now serve a three-match ban as a result of his actions. Eight suspensions were dished out in total: Two for Galatasaray and six for Fenerbahce, including the Special One.