Jose Mourinho, manager of Fenerbahce, was ejected during their Europa League clash against his former club, Manchester United, after an intense reaction to a disputed call. The incident that sparked his fury happened just before the 60-minute mark when Fenerbahce’s players believed they were denied a clear penalty.
The controversy erupted after a collision between United’s Manuel Ugarte and Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel, which Mourinho saw as an unfair ruling.
The collision occurred when Osayi-Samuel, in possession of the ball, went down after Ugarte closed in aggressively to challenge him. Although there was some contact, referee Clement Turpin dismissed Fenerbahce’s appeals, and no penalty was awarded.
Turpin also opted not to initiate a VAR review, a decision that was especially frustrating for the Fenerbahce bench, who felt the footage showed at least some contact between the players. Mourinho’s frustration was further fueled by the lack of review, as he believed it could have changed the game’s momentum in favor of his team.
As Osayi-Samuel fell to the ground, Fenerbahce’s bench reacted emotionally, believing their player had been wronged. The situation escalated when United’s Diogo Dalot eventually kicked the ball out of play to allow medical staff to attend to Osayi-Samuel.
The Fenerbahce sidelines were visibly agitated, and tensions began to rise among the coaching staff and officials on both teams. The fourth official intervened to maintain order and calm the situation on the touchline.
However, Turpin soon made his way over to the Fenerbahce technical area, issuing a red card to someone on the bench. Initially, it wasn’t clear who the red card was meant for, but Mourinho soon moved to a spot behind the dugout, seemingly accepting that he was the one sent off.
Once situated on a platform behind his coaching staff, Mourinho was greeted by another Fenerbahce coach, who appeared to gesture as if confirming that he had indeed been the target of the dismissal. In response, Mourinho pointed to himself, seemingly acknowledging his fate.
This heated episode was yet another example of Mourinho’s well-known intensity and passionate reactions on the sideline, especially when he feels his team has been wronged. The incident underscored his frustration with officiating, particularly in situations where he believes decisions have been unfairly made against his team.
It also reflected the high stakes and pressure Mourinho brings to every game, particularly one against a former club like Manchester United, where he has a significant history.
For Mourinho, this red card adds to his storied relationship with officials and highlights how, despite his vast experience, he remains as fiery and competitive as ever when it comes to defending his team’s interests on the pitch.
