Mourinho accused of gaslighting over Vinícius’s racism complaint

The anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused José Mourinho of gaslighting for his response to Vinícius Júnior’s report that he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid’s Champions League playoff first leg. Uefa said it would “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour”.

Mourinho, the Benfica manager, was criticised after appearing to suggest Vinícius had provoked the abuse with his celebration after scoring the only goal early in the second half. He told Amazon Prime: “I told him: ‘When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.’ They [Vinícius and Prestianni] told me different things.

But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.” Kick It Out said: “When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported. Focusing on Vinícius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.

josé mourinho, vinícius júnior, gianluca prestianni, benfica, real madrid, uefa, racism, gaslighting, champions league, goal celebration