Mourinho faces three-match ban for pulling opposing coach's nose during match

José Mourinho, the head coach of Fenerbahçe (62), has been disciplined for unsportsmanlike conduct during a match. His actions of pulling the opposing coach's nose during the Turkish Cup quarterfinal became an issue.

British outlet Sky Sports reported on the 6th (Korea time) that "Mourinho had an argument with Okan Buruk, the head coach of Galatasaray, after the Turkish Cup quarterfinal on the 3rd (1-2 loss), and subsequently engaged in inappropriate behavior such as grabbing his face, leading to the punishment."

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) classified Mourinho's actions as "conduct contrary to the spirit of sports." He received a three-match bench ban in the Süper Lig and a fine of £6,000 (about 11.3 million won).

Mourinho will not be able to manage the three matches against Trabzonspor, Sivaspor, and Kayserispor.

The incident in question occurred immediately after the match against Galatasaray. After shaking hands with the referees, Mourinho pulled the nose of the opposing coach Buruk as he was heading towards the Galatasaray bench.

Coach Buruk fell to the ground while clutching his face and complained of pain.

In a post-match interview, Buruk said, "I sustained a minor injury, but I do not want to escalate this further."

However, Galatasaray took a strong stance on Mourinho's actions.

Galatasaray posted a message on social media urging, "Do not attack, control your emotions," aimed at Mourinho. Vice President Metin Öztürk stated, "Mourinho instigated a physical confrontation following a verbal provocation, and it is reasonable for Fenerbahçe to impose internal disciplinary action first."

Mourinho has previously been embroiled in controversies due to multiple emotional outbursts. In a derby match in February, he expressed dissatisfaction with a referee's decision, leading to accusations of racism after he said on the way to the Galatasaray bench, "They move around like monkeys."

The TFF imposed a total of four matches of disciplinary action, which includes a two-match suspension and an additional two-game suspension due to protesting referee decisions. A fine of 1.6 million lira (about 64 million won) was also levied. However, the punishment was reduced by half after the appeal was accepted.

Mourinho has a history of clashes with referees and has been disciplined for his aggressive behavior in the past. He is a renowned coach who has lifted trophies with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, but his antics continue to create controversy.

Meanwhile, during his time at Tottenham with Son Heung-min, he was also accompanied by an image of being a 'troublemaker' due to his direct and emotional coaching style.

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