Mourinho: "Today, we were fighting against the system."

Round 11 of the Turkish Super Lig saw an intense showdown where Fenerbahce clinched a last-minute 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor. The referee awarded Trabzonspor two penalties in the game and ignored a clear handball in Trabzonspor's box in the 81st minute. After the match, Mourinho mocked the VAR official and harshly criticized the entire Turkish league.

Mourinho said: "The man of the match was the VAR referee Atilla Karaoğlan! The on-field referee was there, a young boy, but the real referee was Atilla Karaoğlan. He was the star of the match, moving from an invisible role to being the most important figure in the game. I am speaking on behalf of all Fenerbahçe fans; we don’t want Atilla Karaoğlan in our matches again. Today, we fought the system, not just Trabzonspor.”

“People warned me before I came here, but I didn’t believe them. The reality is worse than I was told. This is difficult, very difficult. Our opponents are strong, but we are also fighting the system. That’s the hardest part—fighting VAR, fighting the system. That’s why we celebrated so much after our win. We defeated a very, very strong opponent. We won’t give up.”

“I’m angry with the people from Fenerbahçe who brought me here—they only told me half the truth. If they had told me everything, I wouldn’t have come.”

"This situation will change. If the system grows stronger, my words might be silenced. But perhaps Fenerbahçe fans will become more aware. These things can’t stay hidden. Wasn’t the foul on Bright Osayi-Samuel a red card? Was Karaoğlan having coffee, or did he just miss it? The referee didn’t penalize it, but Karaoğlan was ready to award two penalties. Was he sipping Turkish tea? When it’s in our favor, he’s asleep. Let’s laugh about it. If we took it seriously, it wouldn’t be right. In the end, I’m only working here—this isn’t my country. I care because it’s my job and my club. You, the Turkish people, should be talking about this, saying this year after year. It shouldn’t have to come from me. If I speak, I will be attacked, punished by the system, silenced. (Thumps his chest) We are innocent."

“Turkish league matches aren’t broadcast internationally. Who would want to watch this kind of league? The Premier League, French, German, Dutch, and Portuguese leagues are all broadcasted. Why would people watch this?”

"The Turkish league is terrible, dark."

"Trabzonspor played well. But that foul on Bright should have been a clear red card. For some reason, the referee didn’t show a card.”

“There was also a penalty that wasn’t awarded to us. As I said, few people outside watch the Turkish league. In London, probably only my son watches the Turkish league. But I will post about it on my social media; it might not be a lot, but over 5 million people will see it. They will know what the Turkish league is like.”

“Dear Turks, this is your league. I’m here doing my job, but you need to speak up against this system. If I say it, the system they built will easily destroy me. But this league is yours—save it from this system.”

Shortly afterward, Mourinho posted the handball clip on social media, writing, "Take a look, have a laugh. If you enjoy it, keep watching, because situations like this won’t stop with just one clip."