Ivory Coast Legend, Didier Drogba has spoken out in defense of his former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, after Galatasaray accused the Fenerbahce boss of making racist remarks following a goalless Istanbul derby on Monday.
The controversy arose after Mourinho commented that the home bench was “jumping like monkeys,” prompting Galatasaray to condemn his remarks as “racist statements.”
Drogba, who played for Galatasaray in the 2013-14 season, strongly backed Mourinho, insisting the Portuguese coach is not racist.
“You all know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!” Drogba posted on X. “I’ve known Jose for 25 years, and he is not a racist. History, both past and recent, proves it. How can my ‘Dad’ be a racist? Come on, guys.”
Mourinho, who took charge of Fenerbahce in June 2024 after leaving Roma, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Turkish refereeing standards. Before the derby, he reiterated concerns about officiating, leading both clubs to request a foreign referee for the match. Slovenian Slavko Vincic was appointed for the fixture.
Galatasaray board member Can Natan strongly criticized Mourinho’s remarks, calling them part of a “troubling pattern” of disrespect towards Turkish football.
“For someone in Mourinho’s position, it is essential to promote respect rather than make disparaging comments that foster division,” Natan said. “Such behavior is unacceptable and demands serious reflection.”
Fenerbahce, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that Mourinho’s comments had been “taken completely out of context.”
Sources close to Mourinho say he is angered by the accusations and is considering legal action. They emphasize that he has worked with numerous Black players throughout his career and does not hold racist views.
Mourinho has not yet issued a public response to Galatasaray’s statement.
