- Didier Drogba defends former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho against racism allegations.
- Galatasaray accused Mourinho of making “racist statements” after the Istanbul derby.
- Mourinho’s comments about the home bench “jumping like monkeys” sparked controversy.
Didier Drogba has come to the defence of his former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, stating that the Portuguese coach is “not a racist.”
Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahce, faced accusations from Galatasaray of making “racist statements” following the heated goalless draw between the two Turkish Super Lig rivals on Monday.
While Galatasaray did not specify which remarks they were referring to, Mourinho was heard saying after the match that the opposing bench had been “jumping like monkeys.”
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Drogba, who enjoyed two successful stints under Mourinho at Chelsea and also played for Galatasaray during the 2013-14 season, expressed his support for his former coach.
“You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!!,” the former Ivory Coast striker posted on X.
“We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it.
“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.
“How can my “Dad” be a racist. Come on guys.”
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Jose Mourinho, the former manager of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, was appointed Fenerbahce’s head coach in June 2024 following his departure from Roma.
Ahead of the clash with Galatasaray, Mourinho reiterated his criticism of Turkish referees, claiming it would have been a “disaster” to have a local official oversee the match.
As a result, both clubs requested a foreign referee, leading to Slovenian Slavko Vincic being assigned to officiate the fixture.
