Home / Football / Champions League News Jose Mourinho accused of gaslighting for suggesting Vincius Jr incited crowd before alleged racist remark was made Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for his post-game remarks Written by Jon Fisher Last Update: February 18, 2026 01:26:21 pm GMT 3 min read Jose Mourinho has been accused of gaslighting for not focusing on a report of racism made by Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. Benficas Gianluca Prestianni is alleged to have made a racist slur towards the Madrid player shortly after the Brazil winger had put the visitors ahead in Lisbon last night with a stunning goal.Vinicius Jr claimed Prestianni had called him a monkey and reported the Argentine to the match official, causing a delay of around eight minutes while the game was halted. Prestianni denies any wrongdoing and told his accusers to stop inventing things.Table of Contents1 Mourinho appears to suggest Vinicius Jr was partly at fault2 Mourinho criticised by Kick It Out3 Seedorf unhappy with Mourinhos commentsMourinho appears to suggest Vinicius Jr was partly at faultSpeaking after the game, Benfica boss Mourinho suggested Vinicius Jrs celebrations following the goal had incited the home crowd.He said: Yes. I believe so. It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.The former Real Madrid boss also said Benfica can never be accused of being a racist club due to its legendary player Eusebio.Mourinho added: I told [Vinicius], when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club [Eusebio] was black.This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. If in his mind there was something in relation to that, this is Benfica.They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I dont believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.Mourinho criticised by Kick It OutHis words have come under fire from Kick It Out, an organisation that works to rid sport of all kinds of discrimination.In a statement on X, it said: When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.Focusing on Vinicius Jrs goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations.Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability.We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability linked to the outcome.Seedorf unhappy with Mourinhos commentsFormer Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf was critical of Mourinhos comments. He said on TNT Sports: I think he is still emotional.Hes saying its OK, when Vinicius provokes you, to be racist and I think that is very wrong.We should never, ever justify racial abuse. Vinicius has had enough of that unjustified behaviour from people. I know Mourinho by heart would agree with me but he expressed himself a bit unfortunately. Topics: Real Madrid CF S.L. Benfica Follow us: Jon Fisher Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events. Read more from Jon Fisher
