Mourinho Defends Player, Vinicius Celebrates Goal and Claims Victim Status

Jose Mourinho, Benfica's coach, defended his team after a drama involving Gianluca Prestianni allegedly racially abusing Vinicius Junior during the UEFA Champions League 2024-26 playoff first leg. Real Madrid won 1-0 with Vinicius' goal in the 50th minute, but his provocative goal celebration triggered local fans' anger, leading to objects being thrown from the stands. Vinicius complained to the referee that Prestianni called him a 'monkey', which stopped the game for over 10 minutes. After the match, Mourinho stated that Prestianni denied racial abuse and suggested Vinicius provoked fans with his celebration. Mourinho criticized Vinicius, saying, 'When you score such a goal, you should celebrate with dignity and just walk back. Something is wrong because this happens in every stadium where Vinicius plays.' Mourinho further commented on Vinicius' celebration, saying he should have been carried on teammates' shoulders like a hero, and questioned why he doesn't celebrate like legends such as Eusebio, Pele, or Di Stefano. He emphasized that Benfica's greatest historical figure, Eusebio, was also a Black player, and the club would not engage in racist behavior.