19.02.2026 21:51
Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho's comments after Vinicius' racism allegations during the Champions League match against Real Madrid have become a topic of discussion. Following Portuguese coach, former player Lilian Thuram also reacted after Samir Nasri.
In the first match of the UEFA Champions League play-off round against Benfica, Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior was subjected to racist remarks. Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho stated that his club is not racist, saying about the Brazilian player, "I told Vinicius that his goal celebration should be different. One of the greatest legends of this club, Eusébio, was a black player. SL Benfica is not a racist club. I don't know why these incidents always happen to Vinicius."
REACTIONS TO MOURINHO CONTINUE
Reactions to Jose Mourinho's statements regarding Vinicius Jr. after the Real Madrid match in the Champions League are ongoing. Following Portuguese coach Samir Nasri, former player Lilian Thuram also responded.
''WHO ARE YOU, MR. MOURINHO!''
Criticizing Mourinho's statements, Thuram said, "Mourinho has a special career, he is a great coach. He has worked with many black players, but that does not prevent him from questioning the reality of a racist incident. How can he say that? Who are you, Mr. Mourinho! How do you see yourself as authorized to determine what Vinicius has the right to do or not? There is a sense of superiority and white narcissism in your words."
''THEY ARE PARANOID AND FABRICATING''
Continuing his remarks, the former French player said, "The racist attack that Vinicius faced was due to his skin color, not his behavior. Mourinho implies that this could be Vinicius's fault, that the blame is on him. The sense of superiority that some white people have prevents them from putting themselves in the place of the victims. More humility is needed. How can we ignore what the players say? Vinicius went crazy, fabricated insults, and said it to the referee? Mbappe heard this too and he went crazy, right? Black people are not crazy, are they? They are paranoid and fabricating."