Anti-racism charity Kick It Out has accused Jose Mourinho of 'gaslighting' Vinicius Jr after the Benfica manager claimed his players had been 'incited' before the Real Madrid star allegedly suffered racist abuse. When asked if Vinicius had 'incited' Benfica's players and fans with his exuberant celebration, Mourinho said: 'Yeah, I believe so. Mourinho waded into the row involving his player, Gianluca Prestianni, and Vinicius Jr (left)Benfica's clash with Madrid descended into chaos shortly after Vinicius Jr scored game's only goal. 'As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard,' the official account said, prompting backlash from football fans. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.'

Source: Daily Mail February 18, 2026 15:45 UTC