JOSE MOURINHO was slammed for his reaction to Vinicius Jr’s racism claim after saying “it happens in every stadium where he plays.”
The scenes occurred in last night’s Champions League clash between and Benfica as moments after scoring a wonder-goal in Portugal.
Jose Mourinho was slammed for his reaction to Vinicius Jr’s serious racism claimCredit: EPA
Real Madrid star Vinicius alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca PrestianniCredit: Getty
The Brazilian forward was first booked for his jubilant celebrations, sparking a confrontation between Real and Benfica players.
During that moment, Vinicius engaged in an apparent argument with opponent Gianluca Prestianni, who
Vinicius immediately went to the referee and lodged his accusation, with the game dramatically halted for 10 minutes as Real refused to continue playing.
The game eventually resumed as the visitors bagged a 1-0 win in the first leg of their playoff battle.
But speaking afterwards, Benfica boss Mourinho sparked outrage as he responded to Vinicius’ racism claims.
, revealed Prestianni denied racially abusing Vinicius before pointing the finger at the Brazilian for inciting Benfica’s crowd.
Mourinho said: “It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately not just happy to score astonishing goal.
“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way. I believe so (he incited the crowd). Then the words that they exchange Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius I want to be an independent.
Vinicius Jr and his Real teammates left the pitch for 10 minutes after the alleged incidentCredit: Getty
Mourinho pointed the finger at Vinicius for inciting the Benfica crowd after his goalCredit: Getty
“I saw two completely different things. I want to be independent, and I don’t comment about it. I told him [Vinicius Jr] exactly that. I told him, ‘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 [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. If in his mind there was something in relation to that, this in Benfica.
“They [Vinicius Jr and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent. There is something wrong as it happens in every stadium where Vinicius plays, always something happens…”
However, Mourinho’s comments were roundly criticised by Prime Video’s pundits.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney said: “It’s very unfair what he’s saying about Vinicius.”
Wayne Rooney was among the pundits who criticised MourinhoCredit: Getty
Clarence Seedorf also had strong words for the Special OneCredit: Alamy
Another ex-Three Lion, Theo Walcott, noted: “It wasn’t a night for him to be in front of the camera.”
Finally, Dutch icon Clarence Seedorf added: “Jose made a huge mistake today by justifying racism.
“We should never ever justify racist abuse. Mourinho would agree with me but he expressed himself unfortunately.”
Vinicius himself later wrote on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show their weakness.
“But they also count on the protection of others who, in theory, have the obligation to punish them.
“Nothing that happened here was new in my life or in that of my family. They gave me a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, it was a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
“I don’t like being in situations like this, especially after a big win when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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