Mourinho's VAR Standoff: Laptop Protest Highlights Controversy

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was booked for protesting a VAR decision by displaying a laptop image on TV to argue an offside call. He defended the goal as valid and called for fair VAR use. Last month, Fenerbahce's chairman accused VAR officials of bias, leading the league to hire foreign VARs.

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho faced disciplinary action on Sunday after a dramatic protest against a VAR decision. Mourinho, visibly frustrated, positioned a laptop in front of a TV camera to argue that a disallowed goal should have stood. The Portuguese manager claimed that striker Edin Dzeko was onside, providing a crucial frame from the game's build-up to support his assertion.

"For us, it's a good goal," Mourinho stated following Fenerbahce's 2-0 victory over Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. "I favor effective VAR interventions. My aim is to see VAR assist referees in making the right decisions."

The incident comes after Fenerbahce chairman Ali Koc's allegations earlier this year, claiming VAR officials exhibited bias against the club. In response, the league employed foreign VAR officials for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Fenerbahce, trailing champions Galatasaray by three points in the league, are slated to face FC Twente in the Europa League this Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)