Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has criticized Jose Mourinho’s handling of Gianluca Prestianni’s alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior last week. The Benfica manager was heavily criticized for focusing on Vinicius’ celebrations after his goal, rather than the incident itself, with many seeing his words as a way to justify Prestianni’s insult.
Regarding what happened last week, Courtois revealed that it was Vinicius’ invitation for the players to continue playing after the incident with Prestianni. The Belgian veteran felt that it was a problem that the decision came down to Vinicius.
“This is the best time for football to put an end to these things. We know what Vinicius told us… and it’s something that happens many times. We have to stop it. UEFA decides…”
“They are getting better and better. In the end, the problem is that at that moment, Vinicius decides that we should go back to play; because if he refuses, we will consider leaving. Then it is up to the UEFA official to decide what happens with the game.”
“Regarding the conditions in the stadiums, it is a reason to stop the game and expel those people. However, it is rare for a player to see what is happening on the stadiums; that is the responsibility of the match official. And the authorities should be called. We have to stop making fools of ourselves as a society.”
‘Mourinho is Mourinho’ – Courtois
Referring to Mourinho’s comments, in which he said that Eusebio is an icon of the club, ‘Benfica cannot be prejudiced’. He also noted that ‘it’s a problem everywhere Vinicius goes, in every arena’, while discussing his celebrations.
“Well, Mourinho is Mourinho, and as a manager, you will always protect your club. But it worries me that Vinicius’s celebration is being used against him. It was disappointing. Because when Real Madrid conceded, it is double or triple that. It happened, and we have to move on. It happened, and we cannot justify an alleged act of racism because of a celebration.”
Prestianni will miss the game at the Bernabeu after UEFA handed him a one-match suspension pending an investigation. If Benfica’s appeal were to succeed, Courtois wasn’t sure he and his side would shake his hand anyway.
“It’s something we players haven’t discussed yet, we’ll see what we’ll take as a team.”
Prestianni allegedly admitted to sexually abusing gays
Courtois will continue to criticize the words of former Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, who is associated with Prestianni. The Benfica midfielder has reportedly told a UEFA investigation that he called Vinicius a homophobic slur rather than a racist one. This was put into Courtois.
“It looks like you said it… and I think it’s very bad. It’s a homophobic insult. Just like what happened in the Da Luz stables was very serious. You can like the player more or less, but doing that is sad. I don’t know if he was condemned, or if they said that they will prosecute those who do the ape of cruelty and hocphobia. It’s just as bad insulting if he doesn’t shut up… we can only imagine what he said when he did.
Courtois hits back at Rui Costa’s comments
Meanwhile, Benfica President Rui Costa defended Prestianni on their arrival in Madrid on Tuesday, saying he is not racist, and drew Fede Valverde’s attention to Samuel Dahl. Benfica reported the incident to UEFA, but they dismissed the allegations of violent behaviour.
“Using the Fede thing … is absolutely useless. He did not intend to hit the opponent. Regarding Prestianni … it is difficult, there will be one voice against another. But we follow Vinicius 100%, who has been through a lot … and he has never said such a thing. He heard it 100%, before he closed his mouth, and I believe him many times. We will not know and Benfica will protect their player.
