Mourinho's Controversial Comments After Champions League Racism Allegation
Jose Mourinho has made shocking post-match comments blaming Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr for inciting opponents, following the Brazilian's accusation that he was racially abused during Tuesday night's Champions League encounter. Real Madrid emerged as 1-0 winners from the first leg of their play-off tie in Lisbon courtesy of a stunning goal from Vinicius Jr on 50 minutes.
Match Overshadowed by Ugly Incident
However, the beauty of that spectacular strike was immediately overshadowed by disturbing events that followed. After celebrating around a corner flag, Real's number 7 received a yellow card from referee Francois Letexier for his celebration, which appeared to antagonise the home crowd. As he walked back to the centre-circle ahead of the restart, the Brazilian forward became incensed by something allegedly said to him by Benfica's Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who held his shirt over his mouth while speaking.
Vinicius Jr promptly informed referee Letexier of the racial abuse allegations and left the field, refusing to return. This resulted in a stoppage in play that lasted 10 minutes, with the referee pausing the game in line with UEFA regulations. At one stage, it appeared the first leg in Lisbon might not be able to continue.
Mourinho's Post-Match Accusations
During the tense scenes, Vinicius Jr was seen in discussions with Mourinho, but speaking post-match, the Benfica boss - who was sent off late on for angrily protesting that the 25-year-old should have received a second booking over a separate incident - stunningly pointed the blame for the entire flashpoint at the Real Madrid forward.
'These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately he [Vinicius Junior] was not just happy to score that astonishing goal,' Mourinho told Amazon Prime Video Sport. 'When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.'
When asked if he believes the Real Madrid star incited the crowd, Mourinho responded: 'Yes. I believe so. Then the words that they exchange Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius I want to be an independent.'
Questioning the Racism Allegations
Expanding further, the 63-year-old manager brazenly declared that Benfica cannot be a racist club due to its greatest-ever player being black - Portugal legend Eusebio. He also appeared to question Vinicius Jr's actions, suggesting the Brazilian seems to be the target of abuse often in other matches too.
'I saw two completely different things. I want to be independent, and I don't comment about it. I told him [Vinícius] exactly that,' Mourinho explained. 'I told him [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 [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.'
Mourinho added: 'There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium [about Vinicius Jr getting abuse]. A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.'
Pundits Condemn Mourinho's Comments
Reflecting on Mourinho's post-match interview, Amazon Prime Video Sport pundits Wayne Rooney, Clarence Seedorf and Theo Walcott all took a dim view of the Benfica boss' words.
'Listen, he's trying to stay independent but I think it was very unfair what he said about Vinicius in every stadium,' said Rooney. 'He's said it in a way that people will make their own minds up. I think that was a little bit unfair.'
Seedorf echoed those sentiments, adding: 'I have huge respect for Jose as a coach and a person. I think he's still emotional but he made a big mistake today to justify racist abuse. I'm not saying that was the case today but he did much more than reference today. He mentioned wherever Vini goes, these things happen. He's actually saying it's okay when Vinicius provokes you to abuse and be racist. And I think that is very wrong.'
'I think Mourinho is right in that he doesn't know who is saying the truth, there's going to be an investigation on that, but I definitely believe we should never, in any circumstance, justify racial abuse.'
Backing his colleagues up, Walcott labelled Mourinho's views as 'disappointing'.
'It's disappointing, for me. I'm quite calm, composed, I'm not someone who gets angry but look - I love Mourinho, I love listening to him and everything he's done in football - but I think he's made poor decision-making in that sense. He was still a bit emotional and it was the one time we shouldn't have heard from him tonight. Best for him not to be in front of the cameras. Disappointing.'
Vinicius Jr's Response and Wider Reactions
Vinicius Jr has since released his own statement following the on-pitch ordeal, in which he branded racists as being 'above all, cowards'.
'They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are,' Vinicius's statement began. 'But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.'
'Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team's life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.'
'I don't like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary.'
Kylian Mbappe was among those visibly enraged by what had happened, with the French forward having to be held back by his team-mates. His fellow Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold branded the scenes 'disgusting' after the match.
'I can't comment too much on it because there's probably an ongoing investigation… but I think what's happened tonight is a disgrace to football,' the England international said. 'It's overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal. Vini has been subjected to this a few times throughout his career and for it to happen tonight and ruin the night for us is a disgrace, a disgrace to football. There's no place for it in society. It's disgusting.'
