Vinicius Jr: Jose Mourinho's comments after Real Madrid forward reports alleged racist abuse criticised by Jamie Carragher

UEFA is investigating Vinicius Junior’s allegation that he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.

Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to the referee, resulting in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg being suspended for 10 minutes – in line with UEFA regulations – on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid winger scored the goal in his side’s 1-0 win, after which he celebrated in front of the Benfica fans before he was allegedly abused by Prestianni.

Vinicius Junior racism claim – the key points…

Champions League game halted after after Vinicius allegedly racially abused by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni.
Trent Alexander-Arnold called the incident “a disgrace to football”, while Kylian Mbappe said after the game that he and other Benfica players heard what Prestianni said to Vinicius.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for suggesting Vinicius had provoked the abuse with his celebration. Kick It Out have since released a statement accusing the Portuguese boss of ‘gaslighting’.
Vinicius responded to alleged abuse by saying “racists are cowards” in a statement.
Prestianni released his own statement saying he had not directed racist insults at Vinicius, who he said had “regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard”.
Benfica posted footage of the incident on X, also dismissing the allegations.
UEFA has confirmed that it is investigating allegations of discriminatory behaviour.
Benfica have reiterated their support to Prestianni and have claimed a ‘defamation campaign’ against him.

A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has since been appointed to “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour”.

UEFA regulations state: “Any player or team official found guilty of racist conduct must be suspended for at least 10 matches.”

Vinicius’ Real Madrid team-mate, Kylian Mbappe, said after the game that he and other Benfica players heard what Prestianni said to Vinicius.

Prestianni denies Vinicius’ allegation, while Benfica released a statement on Wednesday offering their “full support” to their player and suggested a “defamation campaign” is in action against him.

UEFA’s investigation is expected to take weeks rather than days, meaning that Prestianni, as it stands, is likely to be available for selection for the second leg of the Champions League knockout round play-off in Madrid on February 25.

Benfica statement in full

“Benfica views, with a spirit of complete collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarity, the steps announced today by UEFA, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid.

“The club reaffirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect and inclusion, which align with the core values of its foundation and which have Eusebio as their greatest symbol.

“Benfica reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by the player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct while serving the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions, and the principles that define Benfica’s identity.

“The club regrets the defamation campaign to which the player has been subjected.”

Mourinho suggests Vinicius ‘incited’ reaction

Jose Mourinho has been widely criticised for his reaction to the incident after saying of Vinicius: “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”

Later asked if he believed Vinicius “incited” the home crowd and players with his celebration, the Benfica boss added: “Yeah, I believe so. The words they exchange, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don’t comment about it.

“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.

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always.”

Carra: It’s rich coming from Mourinho

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, speaking on CBS, described Mourinho as “a guy who celebrates and antagonises the opposition probably more than any coach has ever done.”

“Anyone can celebrate how they like,” Carragher added. “You shouldn’t get racially abused no matter what.

“It feels a little rich coming from Mourinho.

“Remember him running down the touchline at Old Trafford? I remember in a cup final against Liverpool when Chelsea scored very late, [Mourinho was] telling all the Liverpool supporters to shut up.

“It’s a bit rich coming from him to be having a pop at Vinicius Jr for his celebration. It’s a huge goal in a big Champions League game, he’s more than entitled to celebrate how he likes.”

Mourinho’s comments in full…

Benfica boss Jose Mourinho:

“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 if he believed that Vinicius ‘incited’ the home crowd and players with his celebration, he added: “Yeah, I believe so. The words they exchange, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don’t comment about it.”

Mourinho was also asked about speaking Vinicius Jr during the break in play, saying: “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.

“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.”

‘It’s hypocrisy from Jose’

Meanwhile, Micah Richards described Mourinho’s comments as “hypocrisy”.

“Mourinho is someone who I absolutely love as a coach,” the Sky Sports pundit said on CBS’ Champions League coverage.

“I expect better from him because he’s a powerful person within the sport. A lot of people listen to what he says.

“It’s hypocrisy from him talking about Vinicius Jr when he celebrates how he wants.”

Alexander-Arnold: What happened is a disgrace to football

England international Trent Alexander-Arnold condemned the abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr in his post-match interview.

“I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance, as well as an amazing goal,” said Alexander-Arnold.

“Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace.

“There is no place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”

Seedorf: Mourinho made ‘big mistake’

Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who was working as a pundit at the game, said Mourinho made “a big mistake” with his comments.

He said on Amazon Prime: “I think he made a big mistake today to justify racial abuse. I’m not saying that was the case today but he mentioned something more than today.

“He said wherever he goes these things happen so he’s saying it’s OK when Vinicius provokes you, that is it OK to be racist and I think that is very wrong.

“We should never, ever justify racial abuse.”

Kick It Out accuses Mourinho of ‘gaslighting’

Meanwhile, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused Mourinho of gaslighting for his response to Vinicius Jr’s allegations of racist abuse.

A Kick It Out statement 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.”

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