After Benfica's 0-1 loss in the first leg of the Champions League playoff, Mourinho stated he had spoken with both Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni. Midfielder Prestianni was accused of racism for allegedly calling the Real star a "monkey".

Mourinho revealed he heard two different accounts from the players. "Vinicius told me one thing, Prestianni told me another. I do not want to take sides, nor say that I 100% believe Prestianni or that Vinicius is telling the truth," he said. "I want to remain independent until there is an official investigation."

Coach Jose Mourinho speaks with Vinicius during the halted Champions League playoff first leg match between Benfica and Real Madrid at Da Luz stadium, Lisbon, Portugal, on the evening of 17/2. *Photo: AP*

However, Mourinho also suggested Vinicius should have celebrated his impressive goal differently. "When a player scores a goal like that, teammates should lift him onto their shoulders. That is the end of the match," he said. "Instead of provoking about 60,000 spectators at Da Luz stadium, the Real Madrid forward should have just celebrated the goal and returned to his position."

When asked about the racism allegations, Mourinho referenced legendary Eusebio, the greatest black player in Benfica's history, to emphasize that the club is not a racist environment. He added: "This happens in many stadiums. It is always the same problem. Something is wrong. I do not know if Vinicius has a problem. You know better than I do. I prefer to focus on the great goal he scored. That is all."

These statements immediately drew criticism from former players and television pundits.

On CBS, former England defender Jamie Carragher stated that Mourinho's argument was unconvincing. "I feel Mourinho is a bit of a hypocrite, because he is someone who has celebrated and provoked opponents more than any coach ever has."

Another former England defender, Micah Richards, also expressed disappointment. "Mourinho has significant influence in football and many people listen," the former Manchester City player said. "Therefore, his statements carry considerable weight. But I am disappointed to hear those comments."

On Amazon Prime in England, former Dutch player Clarence Seedorf showed respect for Mourinho but still disagreed with the Portuguese coach. "I have particular respect for Mourinho as a coach and a person, but he made a big mistake by justifying racist abuse."

Seedorf argued that reiterating Vinicius "always has problems wherever he goes" could create the impression that racist behavior is tolerated if a player provokes. "Under no circumstances should we ever justify racism," said the former player who won three Champions League titles with three different clubs. "We should not send a message to spectators that insulting a player with racist remarks is acceptable if they dance to celebrate."

The incident originated from a situation at the start of the second half of the match on the evening of 17/2. After scoring the go-ahead goal, Vinicius danced near the corner flag, facing the home crowd. Before Benfica restarted play, the Brazilian forward accused Prestianni of making racist remarks towards him. Prestianni denied the accusation, stating that his opponent had misunderstood.

The incident will be investigated according to UEFA procedures.

After the match, Vinicius posted a message on Instagram. "Racists are more cowardly than anyone," he wrote. "They have to cover their mouths with their shirts to show their weakness. These things are nothing new in my life, but the on-field process serves no purpose."

Real will face Benfica again in the second leg at the Bernabeu in one week, with Mourinho suspended from coaching due to receiving a red card in the first leg.

By Hoang An (according to *Athletic*)