Vinicius Jr: Jose Mourinho's comments after Real Madrid forward reports alleged racist abuse criticised by Jamie Carragher
FIFA's anti-racism protocol instigated after Vinicius Jr complaint following comment from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in Champions League knockout play-off; Brazilian later posted: "Racists are, above all, cowards"; UEFA appoint ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate incident
Wednesday 18 February 2026 12:49, UK
Jose Mourinho has been been heavily criticised for suggesting Vinicius Junior had provoked a reaction from Benfica fans and players with his celebration before reporting alleged racist abuse.
Real Madrid's Vinicius left the field in Lisbon after reporting Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni to the referee. Their Champions League knockout play-off was paused in line with UEFA regulations, resulting in a stoppage in play that lasted 10 minutes, with Vinicius going on to play the full game in Real's 1-0 win.
The alleged racist comments, which Prestianni has denied, came after the Brazilian had given his team the lead with a wonderful individual strike five minutes into the second half. After celebrating in front of the home fans, he became visibly upset about something said to him and immediately informed the referee.
A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has since been appointed to 'investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour' during the knockout play-off tie.
After the game Mourinho was critical of Vinicius' celebration, saying "when you score a goal like that you celebrate in a respectful way."
Later asked if he believed that Vinicius 'incited' the home crowd and players with his celebration, the Benfica boss added: "Yeah, I believe so. The words they exchange, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don't comment about it."
Mourinho's comments prompted criticism from pundits including Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher, who described Mourinho as "a guy who celebrates and antagonizes the opposition probably more than any coach has ever done."
'Vinicius more than entitled to celebrate'
"Anyone can celebrate how they like," Carragher said on CBS. "You shouldn't get racially abused no matter what.
"It feels a little rich coming from Mourinho.
"Remember him running down the touchline at Old Trafford. I remember in a cup final against Liverpool when Chelsea scored very late [Mourinho was] telling all the Liverpool supporters to shut up.
"It's a bit rich coming from him to be having a pop at Vinicius Jr for his celebration. It's a huge goal in a big Champions League game, he's more than entitled to celebrate how he likes."
'It's hypocrisy from Jose'
Meanwhile, Micah Richards described Mourinho's comments as "hypocrisy".
"Mourinho is someone who I absolutely love as a coach," the former Man City defender said on CBS' Champions League coverage.
"I expect better from him because he's a powerful person within the sport. A lot of people listen to what he says.
"It's hypocrisy from him talking about Vinicius Jr when he celebrates how he wants."
Seedorf: Mourinho made 'big mistake'
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who was working as a pundit at the game, said Mourinho made "a big mistake" with his comments.
He said on Amazon Prime: "I think he made a big mistake today to justify racial abuse and I'm not saying that was the case today but he mentioned something more than today.
"He said wherever he goes these things happen, so he's saying it's OK when Vinicius provokes you, that is it OK to be racist and I think that is very wrong.
"We should never, ever justify racial abuse."
Kick It Out accuses Mourinho of 'gaslighting'
Meanwhile, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused Mourinho of gaslighting for his response to Vinicius Jr's allegations of racist abuse.
A Kick It Out statement said: "When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.
"Focusing on Vinicius Jr's goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.
"This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations.
"Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability.
"We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability linked to the outcome."
