Jose Mourinho's Fiery Outburst: ‘Little Boy’ Referee Criticized After Fenerbahce's Dramatic 3-2 Win

Fenerbahçe overcame Trabzonspor 3-2 at Papara Park in an exciting Süper Lig clash on November 3, 2024. In the 42nd minute, Fred opened the score for Fenerbahçe; only Simon Banza of Trabzonspor equalised with two penalties in the 59th and 67th minutes. Edin Džeko levelled for Fenerbahçe in the 75th, and in a thrilling conclusion, Sofyan Amrabat won with a goal in stoppage time. Trabzonspor gave a lively performance, but they were unable to score points, thereby ending the game with 2-3 in Fenerbahçe's favour.

Also Read: Footballer Killed and Multiple Players Injured by Lightning In Match

Jose Mourinho made a huge statement about Fenerbahce vs Trabzonspor controversy

After Fenerbahce's 3-2 win against Trabzonspor, Jose Mourinho attacked video assistance referee Atilla Karaoglan. Declaring that VAR governed all the decisions throughout the game, the Portuguese manager called the on-field referee a “little boy.”

During a fervent post-match interview, Mourinho showed his annoyance and said he could have changed his mind about joining the team had he understood how the refereeing system worked in Turkey. He also praised his teammates for their tenacity in guaranteeing the victory in the face of negative calls. According to the GOAL, Jose Mourinho said:

“Today, the man of the match was [VAR referee] Atilla Karaoglan. We didn’t see him, but he was the referee of the match. The referee was just a little boy who was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan. He went from the invisible man to the most important man of the match. I speak on behalf of all Fenerbahce fans: we don’t want him again. We don’t want him because it smells bad. We don’t want him. We don’t want him on the pitch, but on the VAR even less.

“I know what I was told, even before I came. I didn’t believe. It’s even worse than I was told. But I prefer to be on this side. It’s more difficult. It’s more difficult because we play against good opponents like Trabzonspor is: good opponent with lots of good players and a historical coach. But we play against a system. And to play against a system is the most difficult thing. Tonight we play against a good team, against a strong atmosphere, against VAR, and against a system. So very hard. That’s why we celebrated this victory so much.

"It’s unbelievable to win this match against so many powerful people. We are not going to give up. We know what we have. I blame the Fenerbahce people that brought me here! They told me only half of the truth. They didn’t tell me the whole truth, because if they told me the whole truth I wouldn’t come! But with half of the truth, with my boys we fight the opponent, we fight the system.”

Although Jose Mourinho underlined his commitment to Fenerbahce, he urged people to join the fight against the "corrupt system," noting that his outburst may have repercussions for voicing opinions. 

The game against Trabzonspor frustrated Mourinho as Fenerbahce led 1-0 at halftime due to a goal from former Manchester United star Fred. Trabzonspor converted two penalties VAR granted against his club in the 59th and 67th minutes, therefore giving them a 2-1 lead. 

Fenerbahce had a late penalty request refused even though replays revealed a handball by a Trabzonspor player after Edin Dzeko equalised in the 75th minute. On the sidelines, Mourinho responded violently. In a thrilling conclusion, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat scored in the 102nd minute to give Fenerbahce a 3-2 win. His criticism of the penalty rulings set off his explosive comments.