Jose Mourinho (foto: Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho said Gianluca Prestianni has no future at Benfica if racism allegations prove true, after Vinicius Junior reported abuse during a Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Benfica coach José Mourinho delivered a firm message after the alleged racist incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior during the Champions League round of 16 play off against Real Madrid.
The match in Lisbon took a serious turn when Vinícius Júnior informed the referee that the Argentine winger had racially abused him after scoring.
Mourinho refused to defend his player blindly. He also avoided attacking the opposition, choosing instead to stress fair play and responsibility.
"I don't want to wear either the white shirt of Real Madrid or the red shirt of Benfica," said Mourinho.
"If it is proven that my player has not respected these principles, which are mine and Benfica's principles, his career is over for me. I have affection for the player, but there is no unconditional support. If he is guilty, I will never look at him the same way again, and he is finished for me."
UEFA has provisionally suspended Prestianni from the Champions League while the investigation continues. If the allegations are confirmed, he faces a ban of up to ten matches under disciplinary regulations.
The case now moves into the hands of UEFA, with pressure growing on all sides as European football once again confronts the issue of racism on its biggest stage.