The recent Champions League knockout clash between Real Madrid and Benfica has sparked significant controversy surrounding allegations of racial abuse. During the first-leg encounter, which Los Blancos won narrowly, play was temporarily halted for around 10 minutes after club forward Vinicius Junior accused Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racial slur toward him.
Mourinho signals zero tolerance as UEFA probes Prestianni over Vinicius incident
Amid the ongoing debate and scrutiny, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has now addressed the matter publicly and has stated that if found guilty, the player will have no future in the club. The Portuguese manager said:
“If you prove that my player did not respect these principles that are mine and those of Benfica, this player's career with coach Mourinho and Benfica comes to an end.”
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager added:
“If the player is effectively guilty, I won't look at him the same way again and it's over with me. But I have to put a lot of IFs ahead”.
Prestianni, who appeared to cover his mouth while speaking, has denied making any racist comment, and Benfica have firmly rejected claims that he admitted to such behavior. The incident drew widespread attention, with UEFA launching an investigation and imposing a provisional suspension on Prestianni for the return leg, despite Benfica's unsuccessful appeal against the measure.
Reports suggest conflicting accounts of what was said, including suggestions it may have involved different offensive language rather than racial one, though the core allegation from Vinicius centered on racism. Teammate Kylian Mbappe has also stated that he has heard the Benfica player racially abusing the Brazilian.
ALSO READ: Declan Rice injury update: Get the latest on Arsenal star after the Chelsea win