José Mourinho has been accused of gaslighting for his response to Vinícius Júnior’s allegations of racist abuse. The Benfica manager was criticised strongly by the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out for referencing the Real Madrid forward’s goal celebration when talking about the incident.
Vinícius’s allegation that he was racially abused on Tuesday by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during Madrid’s Champions League playoff win in Lisbon prompted Uefa to appoint an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate. Benfica said they would collaborate with the investigation but reiterated their support for Prestianni, who they said was “victim” of a “smear campaign”.
The game was delayed for 10 minutes, with Madrid’s players initially prepared to walk off, after Prestianni said something to Vinícius while covering his mouth with his shirt. Kylian Mbappé has publicly accused Prestianni of calling Vinícius a monkey five times. Prestianni has denied racist abuse. The Argentinian could face a 10-match ban if charged and found guilty by Uefa.
Mourinho appeared to criticise Vinícius for his celebration – which he described as “stupid” – after scoring the only goal. The Portuguese manager said to Amazon Prime: “I told him: ‘When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.’ They [Vinícius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”
Mourinho then appeared to comment on previous incidents in which Vinícius has been subject to racist abuse. “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” he said. “A stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens, always.”
Kick It Out responded by saying: “When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported. Focusing on Vinícius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.
“This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations. 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 former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf also criticised Mourinho: “He’s saying it’s OK when Vinícius provokes you … and I think that is very wrong.”
Because the referee did not hear what was said and could not include it in his report, Uefa’s inspector must attempt to reach a conclusion as to what happened. That is disputed and demonstrating the facts to a level of certainty that satisfies the committee and complies with “applicable law” is not simple.
Vinícius did not speak after the game but posted a message on Instagram that said: “Racists are above all cowards [who] need to put their shirts over their mouth to demonstrate how weak they are.”
When the Brazilian celebrated his goal in the corner, some Benfica supporters threw bottles at him and footage showed at least one fan performing a monkey gesture. The Portuguese authority responsible for combating football‑related violence (APCVD) is to investigate the Prestianni case and reported incidents of racist gestures and noises from Benfica fans.
After Prestianni had confronted Vinícius while covering his mouth, Vinícius ran to the referee, with footage appearing to show him reporting the word “mono” (monkey). Mbappé could then be seen repeatedly accusing Prestianni of being a racist.
“Vini says the boy said ‘monkey’ with his shirt like this,” Aurélien Tchouaméni told reporters, while gesturing as if to cover his mouth. “Then the boy said that he didn’t say anything, that he said maricon [poof, sic] or something, whatever. In the end we spoke as a team and Vini said we have to keep playing.”
Prestianni denied using racist language, writing on Instagram: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
In a post on X, Benfica attached Prestianni’s message, and declared themselves “together by your side”. The club also posted a video of the moment in which Vinícius went to the referee, claiming: “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they are saying they heard.”
Real Madrid are studying footage and audio clips. Uefa’s inspector will do the same and also gather evidence from those involved, including Vinícius and Prestianni.
Benfica said they would “collaborate fully” with the investigation. “The club reiterates, clearly and unequivocally, its historic and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality and inclusion at a club where Eusebio is the greatest symbol,” a statement said.
“Benfica reiterate their unwavering support to the version of events put forward by Gianluca Prestianni, whose behaviour within the club has always been guided by a respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define Benfica’s identity. The club deplores the smear campaign of which the player has been a victim.”
In a post on X, Mbappé encouraged Vinícius to keep on dancing, insisting: “We will never let them tell us what to do.”
