The racism scandal surrounding Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior continues to spread – and is now also putting José Mourinho at the center of the debate. After Bayern coach Vincent Kompany publicly and unusually clearly criticized the Benfica coach, the 63-year-old made his own comments for the first time. However, there was no real confrontation with the accusations
The discussion was triggered by the Champions League play-off first leg between Benfica Lisbon and Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz. Benfica’s Argentinian professional Gianluca Prestianni allegedly called Vinícius a monkey in Spanish, according to his own account and statements by team-mate Kylian Mbappé. Prestianni rejected the accusations. Referee François Letexier then interrupted the match for several minutes and UEFA launched an official investigation
Mourinho’s statements after the game caused additional controversy. The Benfica coach indirectly blamed Vinícius and declared: „It was a great goal, but his celebration was disrespectful. These things always happen in the stadiums where Vinicius plays.“ Words that caused international outrage
Kompany speaks of „major leadership error“
Vincent Kompany reacted at the press conference before the Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt with an emotional and almost twelve-minute incendiary speech against racism in soccer. In doing so, he took Mourinho directly to task. „Mourinho, the leader of the team, attacked the character of Vinícius by making an issue of the way he celebrated his goal. In terms of leadership, that is a big mistake for me,“ said the Bayern coach
Kompany received a lot of encouragement for his clear words. His message was clear: leaders in soccer in particular must show attitude in such moments – and should not make victims indirectly responsible
Mourinho blocks
After Benfica’s 3-0 league win against AVS from Vila das Aves, Mourinho had the opportunity to make a statement on Saturday evening. But the Portuguese was evasive. When asked whether the criticism was justified, he replied curtly: „I don’t want to comment on that.“ Benfica’s press spokesman also referred to the ongoing UEFA investigation
However, Mourinho did not remain completely silent. „I repeat that it was difficult for everyone, but I will not go into detail about how it was difficult. It was difficult for everyone,“ he said, according to the Portuguese sports newspaper Record. There was no direct reaction to Kompany’s accusation of a „major management error“ or an admission
Mourinho is therefore still under pressure. While UEFA is investigating, the moral debate has long since flared up – and Vincent Kompany has decisively shaped it with his clear stance.