Mourinho avoids taking sides
José Mourinho refused to fully back either Vinícius Júnior or Gianluca Prestianni after the alleged racist insult during Benfica’s 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off.
In his flash interview, Mourinho said: “I spoke with both. Vinícius says one thing and Prestianni another. I don’t want to be red or white. I can’t say Vinícius is lying or my player is perfect.”
He questioned Vinícius’ celebration: “He scored a goal only he or Mbappé can score. Why not celebrate like Eusébio, Pelé or Di Stéfano? Why provoke 60,000 people? The game ended there.”
On his red card: “I was sent off for saying something obvious: the referee had a paper saying Tchouaméni, Carreras and Huijsen couldn’t get a yellow. He knew who he could book.”
In press conference, Mourinho added: “I tried to be more balanced than Arbeloa and Mbappé. It happens in many stadiums. Something’s wrong. Vinícius is a player from another world, but celebrate respectfully.”
He reiterated Benfica’s history: “The biggest person in this club’s history was Black. Benfica is the last thing that is racist.”
Vinícius and Mbappé reaction
Vinícius posted: “Racists are cowards. They hide behind shirts. Poorly executed protocol served no purpose.”
Mbappé demanded Prestianni’s Champions League ban: “He said it five times. This person doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions again.”
UEFA is reviewing reports but has made no comment yet. The second leg is 25 February at the Bernabéu.
