Jose Mourinho has been accused of “gaslighting” for not focusing on a report of racism made by Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni is alleged to have made a racist slur towards the Madrid player shortly after the Brazil winger had put the visitors ahead in Lisbon last night with a stunning goal.
Vinicius Jr claimed Prestianni had called him a “monkey” and reported the Argentine to the match official, causing a delay of around eight minutes while the game was halted. Prestianni denies any wrongdoing and told his accusers to “stop inventing things”.
Mourinho appears to suggest Vinicius Jr was partly at fault
Speaking after the game, Benfica boss Mourinho suggested Vinicius Jr’s celebrations following the goal had incited the home crowd.
He said: “Yes. I believe so. It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
The former Real Madrid boss also said Benfica can never be accused of being a racist club due to its legendary player Eusebio.
Mourinho added: “I told [Vinicius], when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club [Eusebio] was black.
“This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. If in his mind there was something in relation to that, this is Benfica.
“They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”
Mourinho criticised by Kick It Out
His words have come under fire from Kick It Out, an organisation that works to rid sport of all kinds of discrimination.
In a statement on X, it said: “When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.
“Focusing on Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.
“This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations.
“Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability.
“We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability linked to the outcome.”
Former Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf was critical of Mourinho’s comments. He said on TNT Sports: “I think he is still emotional.
“He’s saying it’s OK, when Vinicius provokes you, to be racist – and I think that is very wrong.
“We should never, ever justify racial abuse. Vinicius has had enough of that unjustified behaviour from people. I know Mourinho by heart would agree with me but he expressed himself a bit unfortunately.”
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