Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has once again criticised refereeing in Turkey, noting that there was a “toxic” environment in the Super Lig following Galatasaray’s controversial 2-1 win over Goztepe at the weekend.
Galatasaray continued their good run in the league with a win over Goztepe but the result was met with various controversies. Goztepe felt so unfairly treated by refereeing decisions that the club issued a statement after Saturday’s match.
The club requested for a “temporary foreign referee system to be established immediately”, adding “we want a League of Deserved Winners”.
Mourinho waded in after Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win against Hatayspor on Sunday and said: “Everybody was saying the same thing, scandal, scandal. I learned a new word [in Turkish].
“I think some of you [media] like it. Even the winners like it, which is the worst thing of all. Because to win at any cost and to win in this way is the worst thing.”
The Portuguese coach said he is alarmed by what he called “a system” in the domestic league that is deeply ingrained.
“In terms of the feeling of something that is toxic, we feel [it], obviously, we feel,” Mourinho added. “After 25 years as a coach and 35 in football, 10 as an assistant, I’ve never seen anything like this.
“It has a dimension that goes above anything that can be understandable. I don’t think this is a situation that a single club, fighting, is going to destroy a system that is very strong and that is in place.
“This is the league where I work, it’s going to be my league hopefully for two years minimum. But this is your league. This is the league of every kid that loves football, that dreams of being a football player … If you are happy with this status quo, then be happy. I don’t think it’s something that a club individually can resolve.”
Mourinho also took time to shade the refereeing in his team’s last two games.
“In the last two matches, we are speaking about five red cards that [should have been shown] against our opponents,” he said. “The opposition know how they can play against us and our players feel it.”
Galatasaray are eight points clear of Fenerbahce at the top of the Super Lig. Mourinho who took over Fenerbahce in the summer has been tasked with leading them to a first league title in a decade.
