Thibaut Courtois has condemned Jose Mourinho’s comments after Vinicius Junior was allegedly racially abused during last week’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica.
Jose Mourinho spoke to Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid star was allegedly racially abused during a match against Benfica (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Thibaut Courtois has become the latest person to criticize Jose Mourinho for comments he made during Vinicius Junior’s celebration against Benfica, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper saying he was unhappy to see the comments used against a team-mate after he was accused of racist abuse.
Vinicius Junior scored the only goal of the match when Real and Benfica met in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs last week. The Real Madrid star left the pitch and the game was suspended for 10 minutes after the Brazil international claimed he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestiani during the match.
UEFA launched an investigation into the allegations and Prestiani was provisionally suspended and ruled out of this week’s return match.
Benfica coach Mourinho said Vinicius Jr. inspired the crowd with a goal celebration after last week’s game. But Courtois dismissed the comments, saying they could not be used to justify racism.
Make mirrors your first choice. Click here to enable or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings
read more: Vinicius Junior “will decide” whether Real Madrid will abandon the match against Benfica, in new strong statementsread more: Gianluca Prestiani joins Real Madrid after Benfica rejects suspension following racism scandal
“Mourinho is Mourinho and as a manager he will always protect his club,” the former Chelsea goalkeeper said at a press conference on the eve of Wednesday’s second leg.
“But it bothers me that Vinicius’ celebrations are being used against him. Vinic has done nothing wrong. He celebrated in the same way that many of our rivals have celebrated against us.”
Gianluca Prestiani has been provisionally suspended by UEFA, who are investigating last week’s incident (Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
“It really happened and celebrations cannot be used to justify acts of alleged racism. I think we as a society have to be dumber.”
Although he missed Tuesday night’s game, it was revealed on Tuesday that Prestiani traveled to Spain with Benfica. Mirror Football understands Prestiani could face a 10-game ban if he is found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior, but Benfica and the player insist he has done nothing wrong.
Manager Thibaut Courtois condemned Mourinho’s comments on Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration (Image: Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images)
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has called on UEFA to issue a statement with any disciplinary action taken as a result of the above-mentioned incident.
“We have a unique opportunity to mark a turning point in the fight against racism,” Arbeloa said.
“UEFA, which has always led the fight against racism, has an opportunity to go beyond pre-match slogans and fancy banners, and I hope they seize this opportunity.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games this season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
