Sky Sports‘ Jamie Carragher has criticised Jose Mourinho for suggesting Vinicius Jr provoked a reaction from Benfica fans and players before reporting alleged racist abuse.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius left the field in Lisbon after reporting Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni to the referee. The match 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 Champions League 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.
Mourinho spoke to Vinicius Jr after the incident on Tuesday
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 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.
Referee Francois Letexier crosses his arms to activate FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and temporarily stop the match
“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’
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Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to play on following an alleged racist comment made to him by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
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.”
