Jose Mourinho has banned all mention of Real Madrid among his Benfica squad following the Champions League tie that was overshadowed by allegations of racism.
UEFA have launched an investigation after Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni was accused by Madrid star Vinicius Junior of aiming a racial slur in his direction. Prestianni denies the allegation.
Vinicius says he was called a ‘monkey’ by the Argentinian player, a claim repeated by team-mate Kylian Mbappe. Prestianni, 20, said his opponent ‘misinterpreted what he thinks he heard’, Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, told the media that the Benfica star claimed he used a homophobic slur instead.
On Thursday, the Spanish club confirmed it has sent ‘all available evidence’ to UEFA regarding the case, fully backing their player.
Mourinho himself courted controversy by claiming Vinicius’ celebration had played a part in creating the situation that followed.
Next week’s second leg in Madrid will be in the global spotlight and in an attempt to quieten the noise, Daily Mail Sport understands Mourinho has ordered his players to focus solely on their forthcoming Primeira Liga fixture against AVS, who are bottom of the table and nine points adrift of potential safety.
Jose Mourinho has banned all mention of Real Madrid in his Benfica dressing room
Gianluca Prestianni has been accused of racially abusing Madrid star Vinicius Junior
He has made it clear he will tolerate no discussion of the Madrid tie or any issues relating to it, such as the Vinicius-Prestianni controversy.
Prestianni will not feature in the AVS fixture as he serves a one-match domestic suspension after collecting five bookings.
Benfica, meanwhile, are seven points behind leaders Porto, and three behind Lisbon rivals Sporting, who are second. They have yet to lose a match in the league and have won four of their last five fixtures, drawing the other game. Mourinho replaced Bruno Lage at the helm last September, signing a two-year deal.
More to follow.
