Jose Mourinho has unleashed a scathing criticism of the officials after a controversial penalty decision went against his Fenerbahce side during their thrilling 3-2 Super Lig victory over Trabzonspor on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager was livid when a late challenge on Nigerian international Bright Osayi-Samuel in the penalty area was overlooked, denying Fenerbahce a potential game-changing spot-kick.
Fenerbahce took an early lead through former Man United Fred just before halftime.
But Trabzonspor turned the game on its head in the second half after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) awarded them two penalties. Simon Banza coolly converted both to give Trabzonspor a 2-1 lead.
However, Fenerbahce’s Edin Dzeko equalized at 2-2 before Sofyan Amrabat struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
With the game still finely poised at 2-2, Osayi-Samuel was brought down in the Trabzonspor box, and Mourinho was adamant that both a penalty and a red card were warranted.
Speaking to beIN Sports Turkiye post-match, Mourinho’s frustrations were evident as he suggested the VAR official, Atilla Karaoglan, had been inattentive during the incident.
“Isn’t it a red card on Bright?” Mourinho questioned. “Karaoglan was what, drinking coffee at that time, didn’t see that red card for that player?”
Mourinho didn’t hold back, calling Karaoglan “the man of the match” due to his impact on the game’s outcome.
“The referee was just a little boy on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan, so man of the match,” he said. “He goes from the invisible man to the most important man in the match.”
Mourinho also stated that Karaoglan should be barred from officiating any future Fenerbahce matches.
“I think I am speaking on behalf of every Fenerbahce fan; we don’t want him again,” he added.
Despite the controversial officiating, Fenerbahce emerged victorious, securing second place on the Super Lig table with 23 points.
Mourinho’s men remain five points behind league leaders and defending champions Galatasaray, making the win crucial for their title chase.