José Mourinho has been accused of gaslighting by the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out after he appeared to criticise Vinícius Júnior's goal celebration when responding to the Real Madrid forward's allegation of racist abuse. The Benfica manager said he did not believe either Vinícius or the player accused, Gianluca Prestianni, and described Vinícius's celebration as "stupid".
Vinícius alleged he was racially abused by Prestianni during Tuesday's Champions League playoff in Lisbon, prompting Uefa to appoint an ethics and disciplinary inspector. The match was delayed for 10 minutes after Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Vinícius. Kylian Mbappé said Prestianni called Vinícius a monkey five times; Prestianni denies the claim and could face a 10-match ban if found guilty.
Mourinho said to Amazon Prime: "I told him: 'When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.' They told me different things. But I don't believe in one or another. I want to be an independent." He added: "There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens, always."
Kick It Out responded: "When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported. Focusing on Vinícius Jr's goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting." The former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf also criticised Mourinho, saying: "He's saying it's OK when Vinícius provokes you … and I think that is very wrong."
Vinícius did not speak after the game but posted on Instagram: "Racists are above all cowards [who] need to put their shirts over their mouth to demonstrate how weak they are." Benfica fans threw bottles and at least one made a monkey gesture during his celebration, leading the Portuguese authority APCVD to investigate. Prestianni denied using racist language, saying Vinícius "misunderstood what he thought he heard", and Benfica declared themselves "together by your side".
