Benni McCarthy Criticises Jose Mourinho Over Remarks About Vinicius Junior: 'Very Wrong'

Benni McCarthy responded to Jose Mourinho’s comments regarding Vinicius Junior, expressing disagreement while urging reflection on the remarks.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has voiced his disappointment with the manager's recent controversial comments, expressing hope that Jose Mourinho will publicly retract them.

The former FC Porto star, a beloved figure among Porto supporters and a familiar face in English football from his time at Blackburn Rovers and West Ham, shared his thoughts with the BBC.

He addressed Jose Mourinho's post-match statement, suggesting that Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior should have been celebrated by the crowd rather than antagonising opposing fans.

"When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way... and not pick a fight with 60,000 spectators," Mourinho also reportedly told Vinícius Junior.

"The biggest person in the history of this club [Eusébio] was Black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist."

Benni McCarthy Addresses Jose Mourinho’s Comments on Vinicius Junior

The former striker described Jose Mourinho's remarks as "very wrong" but also offered a degree of understanding.

"He could have handled the situation better or chosen his words more carefully, but emotions got the better of him," Benni McCarthy stated. "I know the statement he made was very wrong. But we are all human, we all make mistakes."

Despite his criticism, Benni McCarthy staunchly defended Mourinho's character, particularly regarding his relationship with African players.

"Coming from someone I know personally, and knowing how he feels about our continent, our people, and the players who play for him, he is the most integrous man any African player will ever play for," he affirmed.

Benni McCarthy concluded by reiterating his belief that Mourinho will eventually acknowledge his error, citing it as a reflection of the manager's true nature.

"I think it was an emotional, difficult decision, where he may have taken a position that was not the right one," McCarthy explained.

"And that, later on, I hope he will come out publicly and say he made a mistake, because that’s what I’d like to think that’s the kind of man he is."

Vinicius Junior: How Events Unfolded

Meanwhile, the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid was marred by a 10-minute stoppage after Vinícius Júnior accused Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse.

Following a stunning goal, Vinícius Junior celebrated with a dance, which led to a confrontation where he alleged Prestianni called him a "monkey" while covering his mouth.

Vinícius Junior was visibly distraught and initially refused to continue, but he eventually finished the game after his teammates, including Kylian Mbappé, backed his claims.

After the match, Vinícius Junior released a powerful statement calling racists "cowards" and criticising the "poorly executed" anti-racism protocol.

He expressed deep frustration that he received a yellow card for his celebration while the perpetrator faced no immediate on-field punishment. Vinícius also aimed at those who "protect" racists, likely a reference to José Mourinho’s subsequent comments.

Reports suggested the Brazilian was "repulsed" by Jose Mourinho's suggestion that his celebrations provoked the abuse.

He maintained that no celebration justifies racial insults and called for stricter sanctions from UEFA. Ultimately, Vinícius lamented that a great victory for Real Madrid was overshadowed by an issue he has had to fight his entire career.