benfica vs real madrid: Mourinho criticised over reaction to Vinicius racism allegation
Real Madrid’s Champions League trip to Lisbon was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse after Vinicius Junior told the referee he had been targeted by a Benfica player. The game was halted for around 10 minutes while officials activated the anti-racism protocol, and UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation. Benfica’s manager, Jose Mourinho, has come under fire for his remarks after the incident.
What happened on the night in Lisbon
Five minutes into the second half, after Vinicius had given the visitors a 1-0 lead, the Real Madrid forward celebrated in front of the Benfica end. A confrontation followed between him and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. Cameras captured Vinicius speaking with the referee and then the official crossing his arms in front of his face, activating the protocol to tackle alleged discriminatory behaviour.
The match was stopped for about 10 minutes while announcements were made and tensions were managed on the touchline. Prestianni denied making a racist remark and said he had been misinterpreted, while footage showed the Benfica player briefly pulling his shirt over his mouth during the exchange. Real Madrid players indicated they were prepared to leave the field before play eventually resumed.
Investigations, reactions and sanctions
European football's governing body has announced an ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate the allegation of discriminatory behaviour. Rules stipulate that any player found guilty of racist conduct faces a minimum 10-match suspension, but the inquiry is expected to take weeks to complete, meaning the accused player could be available for the second leg scheduled for February 25 ET unless provisional measures are introduced.
The Brazilian Football Confederation issued a forceful statement in support of Vinicius, praising his use of the protocol and condemning racism as a crime. Anti-discrimination campaigners have criticised Benfica’s initial response, which began with a terse, dismissive message before the club released a fuller statement defending Prestianni and describing the player as the target of a "defamation campaign. " External commentators and former professionals have also weighed in, expressing dismay at the tone of some reactions and calling for clearer evidence and decisive action.
Mourinho's reaction and the backlash
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has faced heavy criticism for the way he addressed the episode. He suggested Vinicius may have provoked some elements of the home crowd with his celebration, saying, "When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way. " Mourinho later suggested he would not comment on the specific words exchanged, but his initial framing — and the club’s early defensive posture — prompted accusations that Benfica was downplaying the seriousness of the allegation and shifting the focus onto the player who raised it.
Campaigners and commentators argue that framing the incident around a celebration or a perceived provocation risks minimising the gravity of alleged racist abuse. Vinicius has been a recurring target of racist taunts in domestic competition and responded on social media by calling racists "cowards" and emphasising the emotional toll of repeated abuse.
The feud now moves from the pitch to disciplinary corridors as UEFA’s inspector prepares to gather testimony, review footage and decide whether to pursue charges. With the second leg approaching on February 25 ET, the investigation’s timing and outcome could have major implications for both clubs and for wider debates about how the game handles allegations of racism.
