Home / Football / Champions League News Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois urges people to stop being foolish in fight against racism The Los Blancos keeper has once again defended team-mate Vinicius Junior Written by Mitch Fretton Last Update: February 24, 2026 03:35:58 pm GMT 3 min read Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says Vinicius Juniors goal celebration against Benfica cannot be used to excuse alleged racist abuse during last weeks Champions League tie in Portugal. Vinicius reported that he was racially abused by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni shortly after scoring the only goal of the first-leg knockout match, which Real won 1-0. Prestianni denies the accusation but has been given a provisional one-match ban by UEFA and will miss the return leg in Madrid while an investigation continues.The Brazilian was booked for celebrating in front of the home supporters after his strike, and Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho suggested afterwards that the forward had shown a lack of respect and provoked the reaction.Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way, Mourinho said.Courtois, who previously played under Mourinho at Chelsea, rejected that argument and defended his team-mate.Jose Mourinho speaks to Vinicius Jr during Tuesday nights game between Benfica and Real MadridMourinho is Mourinho and, as a coach, youll always defend your club, he said. But it bothers me that Vinicius celebration is being used against him.Vini didnt do anything bad. He celebrated the same way many rivals have celebrated against us. It happened, and we cant justify a suspected act of racism because of a celebration. I think we have to be less stupid as a society.The match at the Estadio da Luz was paused for around 10 minutes after Vinicius alerted referee Francois Letexier, with Real Madrid players briefly leaving the pitch before returning when the forward chose to continue.Courtois said the squad had been prepared to take a stronger stance if necessary. Vini has never said anything like that, so Im 100% sure he heard it, the Belgium international added. I believe him completely. Since hes keeping quiet, well never know for sure, but theres not much more we can do.There were also reports of racist gestures from sections of the crowd. Courtois believes stronger action is required if similar incidents occur again.The other things that happened in the stands, in my opinion, warrant stopping the match and kicking those people out, he said. As footballers, we dont see everything, but there have to be people in charge who act.UEFA confirmed Prestiannis suspension is provisional pending the outcome of a full disciplinary investigation, with further punishment possible. Topics: Real Madrid CF Thibaut Courtois Vinicius Junior Follow us: Mitch Fretton Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football. Read more from Mitch Fretton
