During the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid (0-1), Vinicius Junior accused Gianluca Prestianni of directing racist insults at him. Asked about the incident after the game, Benfica coach José Mourinho did not take a clear stance and raised eyebrows by referring to the Brazilian’s goal celebration, suggesting that his attitude could provoke reactions.
The remarks sparked widespread reactions, notably from Lilian Thuram. Speaking to L’Équipe, the former France international strongly criticized Mourinho’s comments.
Thuram Condemns Mourinho’s Stance on Racism
“The nature of his words says a lot about why we are not moving forward. Mourinho is a great coach with an exceptional career; he has worked with many Black players in his life and yet that does not prevent him, first, from doubting the truth of the racist act and, second, from questioning the victim’s responsibility through the way he celebrated his goal,” said the 1998 World Cup winner.
For Thuram, it is unacceptable to try to explain or downplay a racist act by pointing to a player’s celebration. He believes that the racism suffered by Vinicius is solely linked to the color of his skin and not to his behavior on the pitch. “But how can he say that? Who are you, Mr. Mourinho, to decide what Vinicius is allowed to do or not? There is in that judgment a sense of superiority and white narcissism. The racist act of which Vinicius was a victim is not related to his behavior, but to the color of his skin. (…) Mourinho suggests that it could possibly be Vinicius’ fault. That he somehow asked for it. It is utterly violent.”
Visibly angered, the 1998 world champion denounced the comments as “pathetic” and regretted that such an experienced coach would take that position. According to him, this type of stance hinders an effective collective fight against racism in football.
This Thursday, Real Madrid officially responded. “Real Madrid informs that today it has provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred on Tuesday, February 17, during the Champions League match our team played in Lisbon against Benfica. Our club has actively collaborated in the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism during this match. Real Madrid thanks the unanimous support, backing and affection received by our player Vinicius Jr. from the entire football world. Real Madrid will continue to work, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and in society.”
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