Mourinho’s comments on Vinicius Junior’s celebration ignite controversy
Jose Mourinho sparked outrage last night after suggesting Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration provoked the incident that resulted in alleged racist abuse during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica, reports BritPanorama.
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 triumph at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening, with Vinicius curling an exceptional effort into the top corner in the 50th minute.
Reacting to the celebrations, Mourinho said: “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.” When pressed on whether the celebration had inflamed tensions with supporters and opposition players, the Benfica boss responded, “I believe so.”
Mourinho revealed he had spoken directly to Vinicius during the lengthy stoppage, advising the Brazilian winger: “When you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.” Following his celebration near the corner flag, where objects were hurled towards him by home supporters, the Real Madrid star received a yellow card from referee Francois Letexier.
Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni then approached Vinicius, lifting his shirt over his mouth before speaking to him. The exchange prompted anger from both Vinicius and teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The Brazilian immediately reported the alleged abuse to the match official, who activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms. Play was suspended for approximately 10 minutes as Vinicius left the pitch, during which he held discussions with both Mourinho and Real Madrid staff on the touchline.
Mourinho defended his club against accusations of racism by invoking Benfica’s most celebrated figure, the legendary Eusebio. He stated, “When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager also suggested a systematic issue involving the Real Madrid star, saying, “Every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens.” He remarked on the conflicting narratives, noting, “Vinícius says one thing, and Prestianni says another. I don’t want to say that I 100 per cent support Prestianni, but I also can’t say that what Vinícius told me is the truth.”
Clarence Seedorf delivered a scathing response to Mourinho’s remarks during Amazon Prime’s coverage, asserting, “I think he made a big mistake today to justify racist abuse. He’s actually saying that it’s okay when Vinicius provokes you to abuse him racially. That is very wrong. We should never ever, in any circumstance, justify racial abuse.” Fellow pundits Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott expressed their dismay at Mourinho’s comments, reflecting widespread disappointment.
Prestianni has denied making a racist slur, claiming the Madrid player “misinterpreted what he thought he heard.”
It is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between celebration and provocation in football, an area fraught with contention and often leaving players in a difficult position. In this charged atmosphere, the sport reels once more, showing how deeply entrenched issues can surface at the most unexpected moments.
