Mourinho says Benfica 'cannot be a racist club' after Vinicius incident

Jose Mourinho said Benfica 'cannot be a racist club' after Vinicius Junior accused one of his players of abuse during Real Madrid's 1-0 win in the Champions League knockout play-offs. Mourinho suggested the Brazilian had provoked the disturbance in Lisbon. The match was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius opened the scoring with a curling effort.

He celebrated in front of the home fans and drew jeers; later, Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni approached on the halfway line, lifted his shirt over his mouth and said something, prompting furious reactions from Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe. FIFA's racism protocol was invoked and Vinicius left the pitch after speaking with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and Mourinho; the game later resumed and Madrid held the lead.

Mourinho, who was sent off for dissent, defended his club in post-match comments, saying the last thing Benfica is, is racist and arguing similar incidents occur in every stadium where Vinicius plays.

jose mourinho, benfica, vinicius junior, real madrid, champions league, gianluca prestianni, kylian mbappe, alvaro arbeloa, racism protocol, lisbon