Jose Mourinho has shockingly declared that Vinicius Jr incites opponents after the Real Madrid star accused one of his Benfica players of racism during Tuesday night’s Champions League encounter.
Real 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.
However, the beauty of that strike was immediately overshadowed by the ugly aftermath of it. Following his celebration around a corner flag, Real’s No 7 was booked by referee Francois Letexier for the manner of it which seemingly antagonised the home crowd.
And as he walked back to the centre-circle ahead of the restart, the Brazilian forward was incensed by something said allegedly to him by Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who held his shirt over his mouth while speaking to him.
Vinicius Jr promptly told Letexier of the allegations and left the field, refusing to return. This resulted in a stoppage in play that lasted 10 minutes, after the referee paused the game in line with UEFA regulations but it appeared at one stage that the first leg in Lisbon would not be able to continue.
During the scenes, Real’s No 7 was also 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 whole flashpoint at Vinicius Jr.
Jose Mourinho has accused Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr of inciting aggravation from opponents
Real’s win against Benfica was halted after Vinicius Jr (centre) was allegedly racially abused
Argentine Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni could be seen making a comment to Vinicius Jr
‘These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately he [Vinicius Junior] was not just happy to score that astonishing goal,’ he told Amazon Prime Video Sport. ‘When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.’
Following that response, Mourinho was asked if he believes the Real Madrid star incited the crowd to which he responded: ‘Yes. I believe so. Then the words that they exchange Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius I want to be an independent.’
Expanding further, the 63-year-old brazenly declared that Benfica can not be a racist club due to it’s greatest-ever player being black – in Portugal legend Eusebio. He also appeared to question Vinicius Jr’s actions as he 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.
‘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.
‘There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium [about Vinicius Jr getting abuse].
‘A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.
‘Look, I am saying it was a good 50 minutes of football. I believe millions of people are watching around the world – a crazy goal and then game over.’
Mourinho could be seen speaking to the Brazilian winger after the alleged incident
Vinicius danced at the corner flag after scoring the opening – and winning – goal of the game
Vinicius was booked after seemingly antagonising the crowd when celebrating his opener
Reflecting on Mourinho’s post-match interview, Amazon Prime Video Sport pundits Wayne Rooney, Clarence Seedorf and Theo Walcott all took a dim view on 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.’
Referee Francois Letexier made a crossed arms gesture to signal the reported racial abuse
Vinicius Jr sat on the Real bench after the alleged abuse while tensions spilled over in Lisbon
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’.
Mourinho was later red carded for seemingly calling for Vinicius Jr to be sent off for a foul
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.’
