Jose Mourinho has broken his silenceBenfica boss Jose Mourinho has declared he will no longer regard Gianluca Prestianni "in the same way" should the Argentine be found guilty of directing a racial slur at Vinicius Junior. Benfica winger Prestianni is accused of aiming the slur at the Real Madrid star during their Champions League play-off first-leg clash on February 17. The altercation between the pair triggered a 10-minute stoppage in play as referee Francois Letexier activated UEFA's formal anti-racism protocol. The European football governing body issued Prestianni with a provisional one-match ban whilst an ethics and disciplinary inspector examines the allegations further. Mourinho faced fierce criticism after accusing Vinicius Jr of inciting the crowd with his goal celebration prior to the alleged racial slur in the first leg.

Source: Express March 01, 2026 14:03 UTC