Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has declared that Gianluca Prestianni’s career at the club will be over if he is found guilty of racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.
This “U-turn” follows a Champions League playoff incident currently under investigation, where the 20-year-old winger was accused of using a slur while covering his mouth.
The 63-year-old coach, who initially faced backlash for suggesting Vinícius Júnior incites his opponents, clarified his new stance by stating that any player who violates the anti-racist principles of both himself and Benfica would be dismissed.
While Mourinho insisted on the “presumption of innocence” until the investigation concludes, he emphasized that a guilty verdict would permanently end his professional relationship with the player.
This marks a significant shift from Mourinho’s post-match comments last month, where he criticized Vinícius Júnior’s celebration style and pointed to the legacy of Benfica legend Eusébio as proof that the club could not be racist.
Despite his firmer stance on potential disciplinary action, Mourinho maintained that he remains “independent” regarding the conflicting accounts provided by both players.
