Fenerbahçe has confirmed that manager José Mourinho is suing Galatasaray for approximately £42,000 in compensation for “moral damages” following accusations of racism. The dispute stems from comments Mourinho made after Monday’s goalless draw between the two Turkish Super Lig rivals, during which he described the Galatasaray bench as “jumping like monkeys” and praised the Slovenian referee, Slavko Vincic, over Turkish officials.

Galatasaray condemned Mourinho’s remarks as “racist statements” and announced plans to initiate criminal proceedings. In response, Mourinho filed a lawsuit seeking 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (around £41,500), a symbolic amount referencing Fenerbahçe’s founding year, 1907.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has already imposed sanctions on Mourinho, including a four-match ban and a fine of £32,655. Fenerbahçe has appealed the ban, which Mourinho began serving during Thursday’s 4-1 Turkish Cup victory over Gaziantep. If the appeal fails, he will miss the next three domestic games.

The TFF’s disciplinary board cited two separate incidents from the match. First, Mourinho allegedly entered the referees’ room and directed “derogatory and offensive statements” at the Turkish fourth official. Second, his post-match comments were deemed to “insult Turkish football” and risk inciting violence or disorder. As a result, he received a two-match ban from the touchline and dressing room, along with a £2,500 fine, for the first incident. For the second, he was fined £32,655 and handed another two-match ban.

Fenerbahçe defended Mourinho, stating his comments were “taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted,” and could “in no way be associated with racism.” The club also announced the lawsuit against Galatasaray, emphasizing that the legal action aims to protect Mourinho’s personal rights.

Former Chelsea and Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, came to his former manager’s defense, calling him a “father figure” and dismissing the racism allegations.

Galatasaray currently leads the Super Lig by six points and is aiming for a record 25th league title, which would add a fifth star to their crest. The ongoing legal and disciplinary battles add further tension to one of Turkish football’s fiercest rivalries.