Jose Mourinho accuses ‘disrespectful’ Vinicius Jr and rejects Benfica racism allegations
Jose Mourinho defended Benfica against racism allegations and claimed controversy follows Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid star alleged he was racially abused during their Champions League clash
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior talks with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho after the player was allegedly racially abused(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho has suggested “something happens” in every stadium Vinicius Junior visits after the Real Madrid ace alleged he suffered racial abuse from Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni.
The Champions League play-off clash between the two sides was suspended for around 10 minutes on Tuesday night as the Brazilian forward and his team-mates walked off the pitch during the second half. Vinicius Jr had put his team ahead after 50 minutes at the Estadio da Luz, before performing a celebratory dance near the corner flag in front of the home fans.
Prior to play resuming, the winger had words with Benfica’s Argentine international Prestianni, subsequently informing the referee of an alleged racist remark. As atmosphere inside the ground became heated, Mourinho was spotted in conversation with Real Madrid players, including Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
The Portuguese manager then shared his perspective on events in a post-match interview with Amazon Prime, reports the Mirror. Mourinho said: “It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal in a good game.
“These talents are able to do these beautiful things but unfortunately he [Vinicius] was not just happy to score that astonishing goal and then the game was over. When you score a goal like that you celebrate in a respectful way.”
When asked whether he felt Vinicius Jr ‘provoked’ the home supporters and players with his celebration, the Portuguese boss replied: “Yeah, I believe so. The words they exchange, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don’t comment about it.”
Mourinho then revealed what he was seen discussing with Vinicius Jr during the stoppage in play, explaining: “I told him that when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.
“And then when he was arguing about racism I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black [Eusebio]. This club, the last thing it is is racist, so if in his mind it was something in relation to that, this is Benfica.”
The 63-year-old former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager then suggested there was drama surrounding Vinicius Jr at “every stadium” he visits. He said: “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium.
“Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always. I’m saying that it was a good 50 minutes of football, millions of people watching around the world, a crazy goal absolutely crazy goal and then game over.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
This follows Vinicius Jr issuing his own response after the 1-0 victory against Benfica in the opening leg of the Champions League play-off knockouts. He declared: “Racists are, above all, cowards.
“They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.
“Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why.
“On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don’t like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Prestianni has also spoken out on the allegations he hurled racist insults at Vinicius Jr. He stated: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
