MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was disappointed by manager Jose Mourinho’s criticism of teammate Vinicius Junior, who accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani of racism.
Courtois said this on Tuesday, the day before Madrid host Benfica. champions league playoffs second leg. Madrid’s 1-0 win in Lisbon last week was overshadowed. Vinicius’ argument After the Brazilian forward scored a goal and was celebrated with Benfica’s corner flag, Prestiani reportedly called him a “monkey”.
Prestiani Denies racial insults against Vinicius Despite covering his mouth with his shirt, he was provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA and will not play in Wednesday’s game at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. He and Mourinho were sent off for dissent from the referee late in the game, but they still traveled to Madrid.
Former Madrid manager Mourinho said Vinicius should not have provoked Benfica fans by dancing in front of the Benfica flag to celebrate the second-half victory. The coach suggested that something always happens in the stadium where Vinicius plays.
Mr. Courtois said it was wrong to use Mr. Vinicius’s celebration to justify alleged racist acts.
“Mourinho is Mourinho and as a manager he will do what he is told by his club and his players,” Courtois said. “My only regret is that he took advantage of Vini’s celebration. He did nothing wrong. He celebrated, as many of our rivals do, because the happiness is doubled, tripled when they score against us. But it’s over. We have to move on.”
Mourinho did not speak at Benfica’s press conference at the Bernabéu on Tuesday. The assistant spoke instead.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was one of them. criticized Mourinho For attacking Vinicius after last week’s game.
Benfica defended Prestiani, claiming the Argentine was the victim of a “defamation campaign”. The paper lamented that he had been provisionally suspended by UEFA while the investigation was still ongoing.
Madrid fully support Vinicius and coach Alvaro Arbeloa said on Tuesday that UEFA had a chance to do more against racism.
“We face a unique opportunity to take an important step in the fight against racism,” he said. “UEFA has always been a strong advocate of the fight against racism, but now they have an opportunity to go beyond just a pre-match slogan or a fancy banner. I hope they seize this opportunity.”
Arbeloa added that Vinicius, who has scored five goals in the last four games, is “very motivated” ahead of Wednesday’s match.
“Vini has always shown great courage and character,” Arbeloa said. “You never know how other people in his situation would react. He has always acted bravely and shown great character. That has always been his reaction and always will be, because he is a fighter. Tomorrow he will go out there and have a great fight and prove that he is one of the best fighters on the planet.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
