Jose Mourinho, the manager of Fenerbahce, has vehemently denied allegations of racism made against him by Galatasaray, asserting that he is the 'opposite' of racist. Following a tense 0-0 draw in the Istanbul derby on 24 February, Galatasaray announced plans to file criminal charges against Mourinho, claiming he made 'racist statements' during the match.

Mourinho, speaking to Sky Sports, defended himself by highlighting his deep connections with Africa. 'They [Galatasaray] were not clever in the way they attacked me, because they didn't know my past,' he stated, referencing his involvement with African people, players, and charities.

The controversy stems from Mourinho's post-match comment that the Galatasaray bench had been 'jumping like monkeys.' Fenerbahce later clarified that his remarks were 'completely taken out of context.' Mourinho has also filed a lawsuit against Galatasaray, seeking damages of 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (£41,000).

Former players Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, both of whom played under Mourinho at Chelsea, have publicly defended him. 'The attack accusing racism was a bad choice,' Mourinho added during a press conference ahead of Fenerbahce's Europa League clash with Rangers.

Mourinho also continued his criticism of Turkish referees, calling their potential involvement in the derby a 'disaster.' The match was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, as both clubs had agreed to have a foreign referee oversee the game.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) handed Mourinho a four-match ban (later reduced to two) for his 'derogatory and offensive statements' towards Turkish referees. Despite the controversy, Galatasaray currently leads the Turkish Super Lig, four points ahead of Fenerbahce.