Kick It Out and football pundits have condemned José Mourinho for shifting blame onto Vinícius Júnior following allegations of racial abuse during Real Madrid’s match against Benfica.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused José Mourinho of “gaslighting” after he suggested Vinícius Júnior provoked racist abuse with his goal celebration.
The charity argued that focusing on the player’s behavior rather than the reported slur undermines victims of discrimination.
Mourinho had questioned the frequency of such incidents involving the Brazilian, remarking, “A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.”
Former midfielder Clarence Seedorf joined the criticism, stating Mourinho made a “big mistake” by appearing to justify racial abuse through provocation.
Meanwhile, Benfica released footage claiming Madrid players were too far away to hear Gianluca Prestianni’s alleged insults.
Despite the denial, Kick It Out insisted on accountability, stating, “Focusing on Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.”