Vinicius Jr Racism Row: Jose Mourinho Slammed for Justifying Racist Abuse Towards Real Madrid Star

Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for claiming Vinicius Jr ‘incites opponents’ after the Real Madrid forward was abused racially during Tuesday’s Champions League match.

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has sparked controversy by claiming Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. "incites opponents," following an incident where the Brazilian forward alleged he was racially abused during their Champions League match on Tuesday.

Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the playoff tie in Lisbon, thanks to a spectacular goal from Vinicius Jr in the 50th minute. However, the match was overshadowed by the events that followed. After celebrating near the corner flag, Vinicius was booked by referee Francois Letexier, a decision that appeared to antagonise the home supporters.

As he returned to the pitch for the restart, the Brazilian international became visibly upset by something allegedly said to him by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking. Vinicius immediately reported the alleged abuse to the referee and walked off the pitch, refusing to continue playing.

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The game was halted for 10 minutes in accordance with UEFA protocol, with concerns that the match might be abandoned. During the stoppage, Vinicius was seen in discussion with Mourinho. The Benfica coach, who was later sent off for protesting a separate incident involving the 25-year-old, controversially placed the blame on Vinicius in his post-match interview.

"These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately he [Vinicius Junior] was not just happy to score that astonishing goal," Mourinho told Amazon Prime Video Sport. "When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way."

When asked directly if he believed Vinicius had incited the crowd, Mourinho replied, "Yes. I believe so." He added, "Then the words that they exchange, Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent."

Mourinho Defends Benfica

Mourinho went on to defend his club's reputation, citing Portuguese legend Eusebio as evidence that Benfica could not be racist. He also appeared to question Vinicius's credibility, noting that similar incidents seem to follow the player to different stadiums.

"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," Mourinho explained. "This club, the last thing that it is, is racist... There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always."

The comments drew sharp criticism from the Amazon Prime Video Sport punditry team, including Wayne Rooney, Clarence Seedorf, and Theo Walcott.

"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 was more forceful in his condemnation. "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," he stated. "He's actually saying it's okay when Vinicius provokes you to abuse and be racist. And I think that is very wrong." Theo Walcott echoed the sentiment, calling Mourinho's remarks "disappointing."

"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," Walcott said. "He was still a bit emotional and it was the one time we shouldn't have heard from him tonight."

Mourinho Slammed for Comments

Following the match, Vinicius Jr released a statement addressing the incident, in which he described racists as being "above all, cowards."

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has once again spoken out following another incident that marred one of his team's matches, criticizing the lack of effective action against offenders.

"They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are," Vinicius stated. "But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them."

The Brazilian winger expressed his frustration with the official response during the game, highlighting a yellow card he received for his goal celebration. "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," he said. "On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose."

Vinicius added that he felt compelled to address the issue despite his team's victory. "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."

The events visibly angered his teammates, including Kylian Mbappe, who had to be restrained by fellow players. Trent Alexander-Arnold also voiced his disgust after the match.