'Everybody Knows My Bad Qualities, But That Is Not One Of It', Says Jose Mourinho Following Allegations Of Racism
Fenerbahce boss Mourinho defended himself, stating that he is the opposite of a racist after Turkish giants Galatasaray accused the Portuguese manager of racist remarks.
Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho defended himself, stating that he is the ‘opposite of a racist’ after Turkish giants Galatasaray accused the Portuguese manager of racist remarks targeted against its players following the 0-0 draw between the sides.
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“They (Galatasaray) were not clever in the way they attacked me, because they didn’t know my past," Mourinho said.
“They didn’t know my connections with Africa, with African people and African players and African charities," he recollected.
“So, instead of going against me, I think it boomeranged and went against them," the self-proclaimed special one stated with a tinge of characteristic wit.
Fenerbache stated that the manager’s comments were taken out of context and that the Portuguese coach was in turn suing Galatasary for 1,907,000 Turkish lira over the attack on his personal rights.
“Everyone knows who I am as a person. Everybody knows my bad qualities, but that is not one of my bad qualities. Exactly the opposite!" Mourinho stated.
“The most important thing is I know who I am, and the attack accusing racism was a bad choice," he continued.
Several African players, including Ivorian legend Didier Drogba, who have had experience playing under the Portuguese boss jumped to his defence following Galatasaray’s allegations.
“I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for 25 years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent) is there to prove it," Drogba, also a former Galatasaray player pleaded with the fabled Turkish club and its fans.
“How can my “Dad" be a racist. Come on guys," the former Ivory Coast striker said.
Mourinho also said the fixture between the sides would have been a disaster had a Turkish referee been put in charge of the charged tie.
The Turkish Football Federation banned Mourinho for four games and fined him 1,617,000 Turkish lira for what it termed as derogatory and offensive statements towards the Turkish referees. The ban and fine were later slashed to two matches and 558,500 Turkish lira following an appeal.
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