25.02.2025 10:21
Mourinho's statements in the derby sparked a major controversy. His remarks, "They were jumping around like monkeys on the other bench," were deemed racist by Galatasaray. Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı stated that Mourinho's comment about white people was not racist. However, it has come to light that Ilıcalı had previously reacted strongly when a contestant used the word "monkey" on Survivor.
After the goalless match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in the 25th week of the Süper Lig, the statements of Fenerbahçe's head coach Jose Mourinho created a significant stir. Mourinho's remarks, "Everyone on the other bench was jumping around like monkeys," were interpreted by Galatasaray as a racist statement and an attempt was made to take it to court. The yellow-red club announced that they would file a complaint with the prosecutor's office and report it to UEFA and FIFA.
ACUN ILICALI'S STRONG RESPONSE
Following these developments, Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı made evaluations regarding the issue on a live broadcast on TV100. Ilıcalı described Galatasaray's management's statements as an "attempt to change the agenda," using the following expressions:
"As the Fenerbahçe community, we are observing Galatasaray management's attempts to change the agenda after their crisis meeting. It is impossible to understand how the incident has been brought to a point where it will be taken to UEFA."
"THIS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED RACISM"
Ilıcalı stated that Mourinho's expression cannot be interpreted as racism, saying:
"If you say the word monkey to a black person, that is racism. However, how can such a statement directed at white people be considered racism? Mourinho is making a comparison here, referring to the excessive reactions on the bench. It is not logical to associate this statement with racism."
Ilıcalı also referred to past statements made by Galatasaray's management about referees, expressing the following words:
"Racism is a crime against humanity, and no one can question our sensitivity on this matter. However, those who criticized Turkish referees as 'thieves' a month ago and are now making accusations of racism represent a significant contradiction."
ACUN ILICALI'S PAST REACTION BECAME A TOPIC
On the other hand, an incident from the past on the Survivor competition aired on the television channel owned by Ilıcalı has resurfaced. Ilıcalı had reacted strongly when a contestant used the word "monkey," saying, "How can you say 'Respond to the monkey'?"
These developments sparked extensive discussions not only in the football community but also on social media.