Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out has levelled accusations of gaslighting against Jose Mourinho following his remarks about Vinicius Junior’s claims of racial abuse during Tuesday’s Champions League play-off clash.
The Real Madrid forward, aged 25, walked off the pitch in Lisbon after reporting alleged racist comments from a Benfica player to match officials. Real Madrid subsequently identified the accused individual as winger Gianluca Prestianni.
The Benfica manager drew significant criticism for implying that Vinicius had brought the abuse upon himself through his goal celebration.
Mourinho told Amazon Prime: “I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.
“They (Vinicius and Prestianni) told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”
The Portuguese coach also appeared to reference previous incidents involving the Brazilian, stating: “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.”
Kick It Out responded with a forceful statement condemning this approach.
Gianluca Prestianni hid his face while speaking with Vinicius Jr in Benfica’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid | GETTY
“When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported,” the charity said.
“Focusing on Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.”
The organisation warned that such responses cause harm to victims whilst discouraging others who have faced similar treatment from coming forward.
Jose Mourinho suggested that Vinicius Jr had provoked Benfica’s players with his celebration for Real Madrid | GETTY
“Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability,” the statement added.
Clarence Seedorf, working as a pundit during the match, believes Mourinho committed “a big mistake” with his post-match comments.
“I think he made a big mistake today to justify racial abuse, and I’m not saying that was the case today but he mentioned something more than today,” the former Real Madrid midfielder told Amazon Prime.
“He said wherever he goes these things happen, so he’s saying it’s OK when Vinicius provokes you, that is it OK to be racist and I think that is very wrong. We should never, ever justify racial abuse.”
Benfica responded by posting footage on X, claiming the distance between players meant Real Madrid’s squad could not have heard the alleged comments.
Prestianni issued a denial via Instagram, insisting he never directed racist language towards Vinicius and claiming the Brazilian had misheard him. The Argentine winger also expressed regret over threats he allegedly received from Real Madrid players.
Vinicius Jr was booked for his exuberant celebrations before he was allegedly racially abused | GETTY
Vinicius took to Instagram following the match, describing racists as “cowards” who “need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.”
The Brazilian criticised the implementation of UEFA’s anti-discrimination protocol, calling it “poorly executed” and serving “no purpose.”
He also questioned why he received a yellow card for his goal celebration.
UEFA confirmed it has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the fixture, with further details to follow.
Real Madrid teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold offered a robust defence of Vinicius.
“I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance as well after an amazing goal,” the England right-back said. “No place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”
