Kompany Says Mourinho Made Big Mistake With Comments on Vinícius Jr. Racism Claim

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany strongly criticized Benfica coach Jose Mourinho's comments about Vinícius Júnior's racism claim, calling them a 'huge mistake'. This follows an incident where Vinícius Jr. reported racist abuse.
By Newsroom | Football, Europe |

Vincent Kompany, the coach of Bayern Munich, has stated that José Mourinho, the coach of Benfica, made a "huge mistake" by making comments that seemed to question Vinícius Júnior's account of alleged racial abuse. The incident occurred after Vinícius Júnior reported that he was called a racial slur by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match.

Mourinho's remarks, made after the game, suggested that Vinícius Júnior's goal celebrations might have provoked the Benfica players. This has led to criticism from various figures in the football world, who believe Mourinho's statements deflected from the seriousness of the alleged racism.

Rival boss says Mourinho made 'huge mistake' attacking Viní's racism claim - 1

The Incident and Mourinho's Response

During a Champions League playoff match between Real Madrid and Benfica, Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal. After scoring, there was a confrontation between Vinícius Júnior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Vinícius Júnior reported that Prestianni directed a racial slur at him, with Prestianni seen covering his mouth with his shirt during the exchange.

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Following the match, José Mourinho commented on the situation. His statements implied that Vinícius Júnior's celebrations were a contributing factor to the confrontation.

Rival boss says Mourinho made 'huge mistake' attacking Viní's racism claim - 2

Mourinho suggested that Vinícius, a Brazilian forward, had incited Benfica’s players with his celebrations after scoring the only goal in Tuesday’s playoff match. Mourinho questioned why Vinícius, who is Black and has been subjected to repeated racist insults in Spain, was so frequently targeted.

This stance has drawn criticism for seemingly placing blame on the player who reported the abuse, rather than focusing solely on the alleged perpetrator.

Kompany's Condemnation

Vincent Kompany, speaking on Friday, was direct in his assessment of Mourinho's comments.

Rival boss says Mourinho made 'huge mistake' attacking Viní's racism claim - 3

Kompany condemned Mourinho’s comments. ‘A huge mistake.’ Kompany hits out at Mourinho for Vinícius Júnior comments ‘A huge mistake.’ Kompany hits out at Mourinho for Vinícius Júnior comments Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has criticized José Mourinho for attacking the character of Vinícius Júnior after the Real Madrid star accused an opponent of racially insulting him during a Champions League match.

Kompany emphasized that Vinícius Júnior had made a claim, and questioned the benefit of questioning the player's motive.

"You have a player who says he didn’t do it. I don’t see any benefit for him to go to the referee and put all this misery on his shoulders,” Kompany stated.

Wider Criticism of Mourinho's Remarks

Mourinho's comments have been met with disapproval from other notable figures in football. Jamie Carragher and Clarence Seedorf are among those who have voiced their concerns.

Rival boss says Mourinho made 'huge mistake' attacking Viní's racism claim - 4

  • Jamie Carragher noted the persistent issue of racist incidents involving Vinícius Júnior in various stadiums.

  • Clarence Seedorf and Wayne Rooney are mentioned as pundits who have also criticized Mourinho's stance.

These critics believe Mourinho's approach was unfair and could be interpreted as justifying or downplaying the racial abuse Vinícius Júnior has allegedly faced. The consensus among these figures is that Mourinho's role as a prominent coach meant his words carried significant weight and could influence perceptions of such incidents.

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Investigation and Denials

European football's governing body has confirmed it is investigating the allegations made by Vinícius Júnior against Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni himself has denied the allegation of racism.

  • The investigation aims to determine the facts surrounding the confrontation after the goal.

  • Prestianni reportedly pulled his shirt over his mouth during the exchange but denies any racist intent.

Perspectives on Mourinho's Intent

While many have criticized Mourinho's comments, some acknowledge his position as a coach defending his team.

"I understand he is fighting for his team, for his club and he’s made that decision. All his players that played with him, they love him. You can see his reaction is an emotional reaction."

This perspective suggests Mourinho's remarks might stem from loyalty to his club and players, rather than a deliberate intent to dismiss racism. However, this does not negate the impact of his words.

"I don't need to judge him as a person, but I also know what I've heard and I understand maybe what he's done, but he made a mistake."

Conclusion

The core issue revolves around José Mourinho's comments following an alleged racial incident involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni. While Mourinho appeared to suggest Vinícius Júnior's actions contributed to the situation, figures like Vincent Kompany have labeled this a "huge mistake." The criticism suggests that Mourinho's statements inadvertently shifted focus away from the reported racism, prompting broader concerns about how such allegations are handled in football. The ongoing investigation by the relevant authorities will be crucial in establishing the full details of the incident.

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Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Vincent Kompany say Jose Mourinho made a mistake?
Vincent Kompany said Jose Mourinho made a 'huge mistake' by questioning Vinícius Júnior's account of alleged racist abuse during a Champions League match. Kompany believes Mourinho's comments shifted focus away from the seriousness of the racism claim.
Q: What happened in the Champions League match?
During a Champions League playoff match, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior reported being called a racial slur by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni after scoring a goal. Prestianni has denied the accusation.
Q: What did Jose Mourinho say about the incident?
Jose Mourinho suggested that Vinícius Júnior's goal celebrations might have provoked the Benfica players, implying Vinícius Júnior's actions contributed to the confrontation.
Q: Who else criticized Mourinho's comments?
Several football figures, including Jamie Carragher and Clarence Seedorf, have criticized Jose Mourinho's remarks, stating they unfairly deflected from the alleged racism faced by Vinícius Júnior.
Q: Is there an investigation into the racism claim?
Yes, European football's governing body is investigating the allegations made by Vinícius Júnior against Gianluca Prestianni.
Q: What is the main problem with Mourinho's comments?
The main problem is that Mourinho's comments are seen by many as questioning the victim, Vinícius Júnior, and potentially downplaying the issue of racism in football, instead of focusing on the alleged abuse.