Jamie Carragher has hit out at Jose Mourinho for his comments in the wake of Vinicius Jr racism allegations during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League play-off win over Benfica on Tuesday night.
Brazilian winger Vinicius scored the only goal of the game in the play-off first leg clash at the Estadio da Luz, but after celebrating in front of the home fans, he was confronted by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who lifted the collar of his shirt over his mouth before saying something to the Real superstar.
Vinicius Jr claims he was racially abused by his opponent and the game was halted for 10 minutes because the Real Madrid star refused to play on.
Gianluca Prestianni Posts Statement After Being Accused of Racially Abusing Vinicius Jr
Benfica’s Prestianni has broken his silence after being accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vini Jr.
Jose Mourinho Felt Vinicius Jr Incited The Crowd
Almost the entire footballing world has already had its say on the incident, but it is what Benfica boss Mourinho – never one to shy away from controversy – said in the aftermath that caused a real stir.
The Portuguese appeared to suggest the Real Madrid star provoked the incident with his celebration and later said that “where Vinicius plays, something happens”.
When asked if he felt Vinicius incited the crowd, Mourinho 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.
“I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.
“When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.”
As is always the case for Champions League nights, CBS Sports had their panel of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards alongside Kat Abdo in the studio to analyse the matches and Carragher declared it a ” bit rich” for Mourinho to criticise someone’s celebrations, particularly when it came to allegations of racism.
The former Liverpool defender said: “Anyone can celebrate how they like and he shouldn’t get racially abused no matter what, it just feels a little bit rich coming from Mourinho, not so much the racial angle and the Eusebio stuff, but this is a guy who celebrates and antagonises the opposition more than any coach has ever done in the past.
“Remember him running down the touchline at Old Trafford. I remember him in a cup final against Liverpool when Chelsea scored very late, telling all the Liverpool supporters to shut up, cupping his ear to opposition supporters a lot, so it’s a bit rich coming to him having a pop at Vinicius Jr for his celebration for a huge goal in a huge Champions League game. He’s more than entitled to celebrate how he likes.”
Micah Richards Feels ‘Let Down’ By Jose Mourinho
Richards cut a solemn figure in the studio with Abdo passing to him after Carragher’s comments.
The former Manchester City man said: “I’m just disappointed. Mourinho is someone I absolutely love as a coach and he could have just talked about something different when he was trying to deflect.
“I expect better from him because he’s a powerful person within the sport, a lot of people listen to what he says and Jamie’s right, hypocrisy from him talking about Vini Jr when he celebrates exactly how he wants and I just feel a little bit let down.”
Benfica vs Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr Releases Explosive Statement After Racial Abuse Incident
Vinicius Jr’s stunning goal was overshadowed by unsavoury scenes at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night.
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