Vinicius Junior and Jose Mourinho (Photo by Angel Martinez, Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Benfica have issued another statement following allegations of racism aimed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in last night’s match.
Vinicius has accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of racism, and Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe has backed him up.
Benfica is adamant that it protects its player, and that they are not a club that can stand for racism or discrimination of any kind.
However, at this point the Portuguese giants seem to be digging themselves a deep hole where they just need to apologize and take the right step.
Benfica statement on Gianluca Prestianni
Benfica’s latest statement, according to BBC Sport, reads:
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica views with a spirit of full cooperation, transparency, openness and a sense of clarity the measures announced by UEFA today, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the match against Real Madrid.
“The party affirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historical and unwavering commitment to the defense of the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, which are consistent with the basic principles of its foundation and which have Eusébio as its main symbol.
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by the player Gianluca Prestianni, his behavior while working for the Club has always been guided by respecting the opponents, the institutions, and the principles that define the identity of Benfica. The Club regrets the campaign of defamation against the player.”
Pundits continue to criticize Jose Mourinho
The manager of Benfica, Jose Mourinho, has received many negative reports for the way he personally handled the situation.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager seemed to place the blame on Vinicius himself, as he criticized the player’s celebration for being provocative.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher slammed Mourinho for being a hypocrite as he is used to cheering up opposition fans, while former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara slammed Mourinho’s comments as “disgusting” on Sky Sports.
“I think what Jose Mourinho said is disgusting”
Jamie O’Hara has criticized the Benfica manager for suggesting that Vinicius Jr provoked a reaction from Benfica fans and players before reporting allegations of racial abuse. pic.twitter.com/UQBwcWw1WX
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 18, 2026
“It’s disgusting that Jose Mourinho came out and said that. The comments are disgraceful, really disgraceful. He looked at him celebrating a goal, he scored a great goal that we should all be talking about,” said O’Hara.
“His celebration is really good, he is enjoying his time.
“He will have to go to the referee and say that I have been abused, so that Jose Mourinho can come out and almost say that you are bringing yourself to him, I think it is offensive, and it is completely unfair.
“You can’t say you are bringing it to him because he is the one who is being targeted. I think Mourinho will regret his comments, I think he made a big mistake and failed to ask Vinicius Junior.”
? A new video appears to show Kylian Mbappe also being thrown a dart by Benfica fans!
[via @llucassantos7 / Instagram] pic.twitter.com/ytXXBgQosE– CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) February 18, 2026
