Fenerbahce coach, Jose Mourinho has spoken publicly for the first time since being accused of making racist comments by rivals Galatasaray.
Following last week’s 0-0 draw in the Istanbul derby, Mourinho hit out at Galatasaray’s bench for ‘jumping like monkeys’ when appealing for refereeing decisions early on in the game.
He also claimed that it was better if the match was not officiated by a Turkish referee.
After Galatasaray accused him of racism, Mourinho was hit with a four-game touchline ban and a £35,000 fine, which was subsequently reduced to two matches and £12,200 fine upon appeal.
But Mourinho has insisted his remarks were not racist, and believes Galatasaray’s complaints have actually backfired against them after he received support from some of his former players including Didier Drogba, Mikel Obi and Michael Essien.
Speaking about Galatasaray’s allegations, Mourinho told Sky Sports: ‘They were not clever in the way they attacked me, because they didn’t know my past.
‘They didn’t know my connections with Africa, with African people and African players and African charities. So instead of going against me, I think it boomeranged and went against them.
‘Everyone knows who I am as a person. Everybody knows my bad qualities, but that is not one of my bad qualities. Exactly the opposite! The most important thing is I know who I am, and the attack accusing racism was a bad choice.’
Mourinho also revealed his immediate reaction to the racism accusation as he slammed Galatasaray for stooping ‘so low.’ I just felt: how could they go so low?’ he continued.
Mourinho added: ‘I cannot drop to his level,’ referring to Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk’s touchline antics.
‘Sometimes I do, and I ask myself, “Why did you do it Jose? Why did you drop to that level?” It was just sad.’
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss went on to express his gratitude to those who stood up for him, and claimed he even had the backing of people who do not like him.
‘Probably even from people who don’t like me the support was there,’ Mourinho said.
‘I thank the people who didn’t have a problem to speak [out], especially my boys, my former players. They were a very important voice.’
