Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher criticized manager Jose Mourinho for suggesting Vinicius Junior provoked a reaction from Benfica fans and players before reporting the alleged racist abuse.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius left the field in Lisbon after reporting Benfica winger Gianluca Prestiani to the referee. The match was paused in line with UEFA regulations, resulting in a 10-minute stoppage in play, but Vinicius played the full game and Real won 1-0 in the Champions League.
The racist comment, which Prestiani denies, is said to have come after the Brazilian put his team ahead with a brilliant individual attack five minutes into the second half. After celebrating in front of his home fans, he was visibly upset by what was said to him and immediately alerted the referee.
Mourinho spoke with Vinicius Jr. after Tuesday’s incident.
After the match, Mourinho criticized Vinicius’ celebration, saying: “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate with respect.”
Asked afterwards if he thought Vinicius had “incited” the home crowd and players with his celebrations, Benfica added: “Yes, I think so. The words they exchanged, Prestiani and Vinicius, I want to be independent. I won’t comment on that.”
Mourinho’s comments drew criticism from pundits including Carragher, who described Mourinho as “a man who admires and antagonizes his opponents more than perhaps any other manager ever”.
“Vinicius is fully entitled to celebrate.”
“Everyone can celebrate however they want,” Carragher told CBS. “No matter what, no one should be subjected to racial abuse.
Referee François Letexier folded his arms and activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocols, suspending the match.
“Mourinho’s words feel a little rich.
“You remember him running down the touchline at Old Trafford, and you remember him telling all the Liverpool supporters to shut up when Chelsea scored very late in the cup final against Liverpool.
“It’s a bit of a luxury for him to celebrate at Vinicius Junior’s celebration. It’s a big goal in an important Champions League game and he has every right to celebrate however he wants.”
“It’s Jose’s hypocrisy.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
The Champions League knockout match between Real Madrid and Benfica was suspended for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior initially refused to play after receiving a racist comment from Benfica coach Gianluca Prestiani.
Meanwhile, Mika Richards described Mourinho’s comments as “hypocrisy”.
“Mourinho is someone I really love as a manager,” the former Man City defender said on CBS’ Champions League broadcast.
“I expect more from him because he is a strong figure in this sport. A lot of people listen to him.
“It’s hypocrisy to talk about Vinicius Jr. when he’s celebrating the way he wants.”
Seedorf: Mourinho made a ‘big mistake’
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who was a pundit at the match, said Mourinho’s comments were a “big mistake”.
“I think he made a huge mistake today in justifying racial abuse. I’m not saying today was that, but he talked about more than today,” he said on Amazon Prime.
“He’s saying that this happens everywhere you go, so it’s okay for Vinicius to provoke you, it’s okay for him to be racist, and I think that’s very wrong.
“We should never justify racial abuse.”
