Mourinho, the current manager of Fenerbahçe, has been involved in several controversial incidents throughout his managerial career across various European clubs. The Portuguese tactician has delivered countless unforgettable moments, from strategic brilliance on the pitch to intense confrontations with players, officials, and fellow managers. The fourth official keeps apart Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal—photo by Adrian Dennis. Source: Getty Images The Fenerbahçe boss has been handed a four-match suspension and fined approximately £35,000 (approximately 5.7 million Kenya Shillings) by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following controversial remarks made after a goalless draw against Galatasaray. Mourinho’s most controversial moments TUKO.co.ke has explored several controversial incidents involving the former Chelsea manager, highlighting some of the most heated clashes, bold statements, and dramatic moments that have defined his football career.
1. Fracas with Arsene Wenger Mourinho and Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, had one of football’s most intense managerial rivalries, marked by heated exchanges, mind games, and even a physical confrontation. As per the Sun, during a heated Premier League clash on October 5, 2014, at Stamford Bridge, Wenger shoved Mourinho in frustration over a challenge on Alexis Sánchez, sparking a fiery touchline confrontation before officials intervened. The two managers had already shared a long history of verbal spats. Mourinho famously called Wenger a “specialist in failure” in 2014, mocking Arsenal’s struggles to win silverware. Wenger, in turn, often criticized Mourinho’s defensive tactics, accusing him of “parking the bus.” 2. Wearing a wire During a Serie A clash against Monza in October 2023, Mourinho made headlines by wearing a wire on the touchline, claiming it was to protect himself from unfair officiating. Frustrated by what he saw as biased decisions against his team, the former Roma manager recorded interactions as potential evidence, adding yet another chapter to his long history of mind games and controversy.
3. Drama on the touchline The Special One is known not only for his tactical genius but also for his fiery touchline antics, from passionate celebrations to heated confrontations, always ensuring he remains at the centre of the action. Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge with Manchester United, emotions ran high after Chelsea coach Marco Ianni celebrated a late equalizer provocatively in front of him. A furious Mourinho had to be restrained by stewards, Phil Neville, and United staff as he attempted to confront the Italian down the tunnel. Later, both Ianni and Maurizio Sarri apologized for the incident. José Mourinho is no stranger to touchline drama, with a history of heated clashes, bold antics, and confrontations with players, referees, and rival managers. Photo by Shaun Botterill. Source: Getty Images 4. The legendary laundry basket incident One of the most bizarre and legendary stories of Mourinho’s career is the “laundry basket incident” during his time at Chelsea in 2005. Serving a UEFA touchline ban for a Champions League match against Bayern Munich, Mourinho was determined to communicate with his team. READ ALSO Chelsea fans hold furious protests against club owners before Southampton win To bypass the ban, reports suggest he was smuggled into the Chelsea dressing room inside a laundry basket before the game. After delivering his pre-match instructions, he allegedly hid in the same basket and was wheeled out past officials to avoid detection. Years later, the tactical mastermind disclosed that he hid in the Chelsea dressing room from midday to avoid his UEFA ban. While sneaking out, kit man Stewart Bannister placed him in a laundry basket, but as UEFA officials followed, the lid was shut, leaving Mourinho struggling to breathe.
“When he opened the box I was dying! I am serious! I was claustrophobic, I promise! It’s true,” Mourinho recalled. 5. Sliding on the Turf at Old Trafford (2004) As recorded on UEFA’s website, one of his earliest controversial moments was when Mourinho sprinted down the touchline and slid on his knees after Porto’s dramatic last-minute goal against Manchester United in the Champions League. The celebration was iconic but irritated United fans and Sir Alex Ferguson. TUKO.co.ke previously reported that after a goalless draw in the Istanbul derby against Galatasaray, Mourinho was accused of making racist remarks, sparking widespread controversy. During the post-match press conference, he described the behaviour of the Galatasaray bench as “jumping like monkeys.” Galatasaray condemned the statement as racist and announced plans to initiate criminal proceedings, as well as file complaints with UEFA and FIFA.
by Gedion Nzyoki
