Didier Drogba has defended Jose Mourinho over accusations of racism from Galatasaray in a message addressed to his former club.

Galatasaray intend to take legal action against Mourinho, the Fenerbahce head coach, after he accused their bench of "jumping like monkeys" during a fractious match between the rivals in the Turkish league on Monday.

Tensions were high in the build-up over the referee appointment, with Slovenian official Slavko Vincic drafted in by the Turkish Football Federation. Mourinho welcomed this move as a vocal critic of officiating in Turkey.

Fenerbahce vice president Acun Ilicali accused Galatasaray of manipulating the situation in an appearance, while the club insist Mourinho's words "can in no way be associated with racism".

Drogba, coached by Mourinho at Chelsea over two spells, sought to intervene in the dispute on Thursday, as he wrote a message directly to supporters of Galatasaray - the club he played for in 2013/14.

"I've seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho," Drogba wrote in a post on social media.

"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."

He added: "You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey! We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I've been lucky enough to experience it."

Drogba's ex-Chelsea team-mate Michael Essien, also brought to Stamford Bridge during Mourinho's time, shared an image of him and his former boss on Thursday in an apparent show of support.

Essien also shared an old video of Mourinho saying he considers himself a father figure to the former Ghana midfielder.