Okan Buruk reveals for the first time what he said to the referees after the derby

Okan Buruk has made his first statement regarding the events that took place between him and Jose Mourinho following the match in which they defeated Fenerbahçe 2-1 away in the Ziraat Turkish Cup quarter-finals.

Speaking to Ekol TV, Okan Buruk revealed for the first time what he said when he went over to the referees after the derby.

"I TOLD THE REFEREES YOU OFFICIATED A VERY GOOD MATCH"

Stating that he told the referees "You officiated a very good match" in both Turkish and English, Okan Buruk said, "I didn't go over there specifically to say that to him because I saw Mourinho talking to the referee. I just told the referees in Turkish and English, 'You officiated a very good match.' At that moment, Mourinho was probably very provoked because he was criticizing the referees at the same time."

Noting that he did not say "Don't listen to him" to the referees, Okan Buruk said, "I only said 'You officiated a very good match' in Turkish and English."

"I AM NOT GOING TO ASK ANYONE HOW I SHOULD CELEBRATE"

Addressing the celebration footage captured on camera immediately after he congratulated the referees, Okan Buruk said, "I defeated our arch-rival on their home turf. We are in an important championship race. I celebrated, and I am not going to ask anyone how I should celebrate! I had no intention of provoking the opposing manager or targeting him. I experienced that happiness. Let them allow me to decide what I celebrate and how."

Stating that the provocation came from the Fenerbahçe side, Buruk said, "The Fenerbahçe manager's assistant cursed at us and provoked us 3-4 times throughout the match."

"I FELL BECAUSE I WAS IN PAIN"

Explaining that he fell to the ground because he was in pain following Mourinho's intervention, Okan Buruk said, "If I wanted to blow this out of proportion, I would file a criminal complaint and get a medical report for assault. There is a physical intervention against me that has been captured and recorded on footage. If I wanted to escalate it, I would have gone that route, but I was genuinely in pain there. I fell because I was in pain. Everyone has known since my playing days that my nose is broken. A broken nose is a different matter; I was in pain."

Reacting to Fenerbahçe's statement, Buruk said, "There can be no explanation for physical contact, and there shouldn't be. Instead of coming out and apologizing, they are trying to muddy the waters, and I am very saddened by this."

Finally, Okan Buruk stated that he did not say "f.ck off" to Jose Mourinho.