An explosive Champions League encounter in Lisbon has triggered a major backlash after Kick It Out accused Jose Mourinho of “gaslighting” Vinicius Junior. The controversy followed Real Madrid CF’s narrow 1-0 victory over SL Benfica, where the Brazilian forward reported alleged racial abuse during a tense second half.
The dramatic moment unfolded after Vinicius scored the decisive goal in Lisbon, prompting chaotic scenes both on the pitch and in the stands. As the forward celebrated near the corner flag, objects were reportedly thrown from sections of the crowd, leading to a temporary stoppage that lasted several minutes.
Allegations overshadow stunning goal
The flashpoint escalated when Vinicius approached the referee before play resumed, claiming that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni had directed a racist comment toward him. The accusation intensified tensions immediately, with players from both teams reacting as supporters voiced their frustration from the stands.
After the final whistle, Mourinho — now in charge of Benfica — addressed the situation publicly. Rather than focusing solely on the allegation, he suggested that the forward’s conduct may have contributed to the hostility inside the stadium. His remarks quickly drew widespread attention and criticism.
Mourinho described the goal as extraordinary but indicated that, in his view, the celebration had crossed a line. He stated that after scoring such a remarkable strike, the appropriate response would have been a respectful celebration followed by a return to position. When questioned directly about whether Vinicius had provoked opposition players and fans, Mourinho signalled agreement with that interpretation. However, he declined to comment specifically on the words exchanged between Prestianni and the Madrid winger.
The Portuguese manager also revealed a brief exchange he had with Vinicius during the stoppage in play. He recounted telling the forward that the club’s history contradicted accusations of racism and emphasized that one of Benfica’s greatest icons, Eusebio, was Black. Mourinho further claimed that similar incidents tend to follow Vinicius in different stadiums, adding that such episodes occur wherever the Brazilian plays.
Kick It Out responds strongly
Mourinho’s comments prompted a firm reaction from Kick It Out, the anti-racism organisation dedicated to combating discrimination in football. In a statement shared on social media, the charity stressed that when a player reports discriminatory abuse, the immediate priority must be ensuring that the individual feels heard and supported.
The organisation argued that focusing on a player’s celebration or a club’s historical legacy diverts attention from the seriousness of the allegation. It characterised such responses as harmful and warned that they could discourage others from speaking out about similar experiences.
Kick It Out also highlighted the responsibility of football leaders to set appropriate standards. The charity called for accountability and urged governing bodies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the events in Lisbon.
Benfica and Prestianni reject accusations
Despite global attention on the case, Benfica publicly backed Prestianni, issuing a statement reaffirming the club’s commitment to equality, inclusion, and respect. The Portuguese side expressed full confidence in the player’s account and condemned what it described as a defamation campaign against him.
Prestianni also responded directly on social media, denying that he had made any racist remark. He stated that Vinicius had misunderstood what was said and insisted that he had never directed discriminatory language toward anyone. The young Argentine further claimed he had received threats following the incident.
UEFA investigation underway
With tensions still high, UEFA has launched a formal investigation into the match. Broadcast footage, official reports, and witness testimony are expected to be examined as part of the process.
As the football world awaits clarity, the incident has reignited wider discussions about how allegations of racism are handled at the highest levels of the game. The outcome of UEFA’s inquiry will likely carry significant consequences for those involved, while the broader debate about responsibility and accountability in football continues.
