By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
José Mourinho has refused to fully support Vinícius Júnior following the alleged racist incident involving Gianluca Prestianni, as UEFA prepares to open a formal investigation into the explosive confrontation.
Speaking after the controversial UEFA Champions League clash between Real Madrid and SL Benfica, Mourinho confirmed he had personally spoken to both players but refused to take sides.
“I’ve spoken to both of them; Vinícius told me one thing, and Prestianni said another,” Mourinho said.
“I don’t want to be biased toward them, but I also can’t be biased toward the other side and just believe only Vinícius.”
The Portuguese coach also questioned Vinicius’ on-field reaction after scoring.
“Why didn’t he celebrate like Di Stefano, Pelé or Eusébio? You score that super goal and then… why?” Mourinho added.
“This is always happening with him. This is the only thing I’m not understanding.”
Prestianni has strongly denied making any racist remarks, insisting the situation was misunderstood.
“I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vinicius Jr,” Prestianni said in a statement.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received.”
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa backed Vinicius and revealed the squad were prepared to leave the pitch.
“We are 100% behind Vini,” Arbeloa said.
“If he decided to walk off, we would have all walked off.”
UEFA are now expected to open disciplinary proceedings, with match officials and players set to provide evidence.
A verdict could prove difficult if there is no conclusive proof of racist abuse.
The incident adds to Vinicius’ long history of racism-related controversies in European football, with the Brazilian once again at the center of one of the sport’s most sensitive issues.
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