UEFA is investigating allegations that Vinicius Junior was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani.
This comes amid a backlash against Jose Mourinho and a response from the Portuguese club alleging a “defamation campaign” against the player.
Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to the referee, resulting in a 10-minute suspension of the Champions League knockout first-round first leg on Tuesday, in accordance with UEFA regulations.
The Real Madrid winger scored a goal in his team’s 1-0 win and was then allegedly assaulted by Prestiani after celebrating in front of Benfica fans.
Mr Prestiani pulled his shirt over his mouth when confronting Mr Vinicius, but denied the allegations of racism.
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UEFA has appointed an inspector following allegations that Vinicius Junior was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani.
UEFA’s Ethics and Discipline Inspector was then appointed to “investigate allegations of discriminatory conduct”.
UEFA regulations state that “any player or team official found guilty of racist behavior will be suspended for at least 10 games.”
Vinicius’ Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe said after the match that he and the Benfica players heard what Prestiani said to Vinicius.
However, Benfica released a statement on Wednesday expressing their “full support” for the player and suggesting a “defamation campaign” was being waged against him.
UEFA’s investigation is expected to take weeks rather than days, and as things stand, Prestiani is likely to be included in the squad for the second leg of the Champions League knock-off first round play-off in Madrid on February 25.
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Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior was on the receiving end of a number of racist insults before the incident at Benfica.
Mourinho suggests he ‘incited’ Vinicius’ reaction
Mourinho has been widely criticized for his reaction to the incident, saying of Vinicius: “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate with respect.”
Asked afterwards if he believed Vinicius had “incited” the home crowd and players with his celebrations, Benfica added: “Yes, I believe so. The words they exchanged, Prestiani and Vinicius, I want to be independent. I won’t comment on that.”
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Benfica manager Jose Mourinho says he tried to “achieve balance” in his response to Vinicius Junior’s racism allegations against Real Madrid in the Champions League
“When he was discussing racism, I told him that the greatest person in the history of this club is a black man (Eusebio). There is absolutely nothing racist about this club. So in his mind, if that’s what it’s about, this is Benfica.”
“Something goes wrong because it happens in every stadium. In every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens. It always does.”
Mourinho spoke with Vinicius Jr. after Tuesday’s incident.
Carla: Mourinho made me rich.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher described Mourinho on CBS as “a man who admires and despises his opponents more than perhaps any other manager ever”.
“Everyone can celebrate however they like,” Carragher added. “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.
“Remember when he was running down the touchline at Old Trafford? I remember in the cup final against Liverpool, when Chelsea scored a very late goal,[Mourinho]told all the Liverpool supporters to shut up.
“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.”
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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,” a Sky Sports pundit said during 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’
Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who was a pundit on the match, said Mourinho’s comments were a “big mistake”.
“I think he made a big 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.”
Kick It Out accuses Mourinho of ‘gaslighting’
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Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre, who sits on the FIFA Players’ Voice Panel, discusses whether players who cover their mouths to cover up their abuse could be sanctioned.
Meanwhile, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused Mourinho of gaslighting Vinicius Junior over his handling of allegations of racist abuse.
Kick It Out said in a statement: “When someone reports discrimination in football or anywhere, their first priority is to feel heard and supported.
“Not acknowledging the report and focusing on Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration and the history of the club is a form of gaslighting.
“This approach not only harms the affected individuals, but also sends the wrong message to people around the world who may have experienced similar situations.
“Leaders in football have an important role to play in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusivity and accountability.
“We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident and for appropriate accountability to follow.”
