Jose Mourinho sparked outrage last night after suggesting Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration provoked the incident that resulted in alleged racist abuse during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica.
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 triumph at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening, with Vinicius curling an exceptional effort into the top corner in the 50th minute.
Reacting to the celebrations, Mourinho said: “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
When pressed on whether the celebration had inflamed tensions with supporters and opposition players, the Benfica boss said: “I believe so.”
Mourinho revealed he had spoken directly to Vinicius during the lengthy stoppage, telling the Brazilian winger: “When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.”
Following his celebration near the corner flag, where objects were hurled towards him by home supporters, the Real Madrid star received a yellow card from referee Francois Letexier.
Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni then approached Vinicius on the halfway line, lifting his shirt over his mouth before speaking to him.
The exchange prompted fury from both Vinicius and teammate Kylian Mbappe.
Jose Mourinho sparked widespread condemnation after suggesting Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration provoked the incident that resulted in alleged racist abuse
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The Brazilian immediately reported the alleged abuse to the match official, who crossed his arms to activate Fifa’s anti-racism protocol.
Play was suspended for approximately 10 minutes as Vinicius left the pitch, during which time he held discussions with both Mourinho and Real Madrid staff on the touchline.
Mourinho defended his club against accusations of racism by invoking Benfica’s most celebrated figure, the legendary, Eusebio.
He said: “When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”
Vinicius Jr was booked for his exuberant celebrations before he was allegedly racially abused | GETTYThe former Chelsea and Manchester United manager also suggested a pattern existed around the Real Madrid star.
He added: “Every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens.
“Vinícius says one thing, and Prestianni says another.
“I don’t want to say that I 100 per cent support Prestianni, but I also can’t say that what Vinícius told me is the truth.”
Vinicius Jr went and sat on the bench after the incident and did not return for some time before the match resumed | AMAZON PRIMEClarence Seedorf delivered a scathing response to Mourinho’s remarks during Amazon Prime’s coverage.
The former Real Madrid and Netherlands midfielder said: “I think he made a big mistake today to justify racist abuse.
“He’s actually saying that it’s okay when Vinicius provokes you to abuse him racially. That is very wrong. We should never ever, in any circumstance, justify racial abuse.”
Fellow pundits Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott also voiced their dismay at the Benfica manager’s post-match interview, with both expressing disappointment at the comments.
Prestianni has denied making a racist slur, claiming the Madrid player “misinterpreted what he thought he heard”.