'The last thing this club is is racist'

‘The very last thing this membership is is racist’

February 18, 2026


Jose Mourinho defended Benfica and accused Actual Madrid winger Vinicius Jr of inciting the gang after an alleged racism incident of their Champions League conflict in Lisbon.

Vinicius scored an excellent winner and was booked for his celebrations as objects have been thrown in direction of him from the stands.

Tv photos confirmed a heated alternate between Vinicius and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.

The ahead then spoke to referee Francois Letexier and went and sat down within the dugout as play was halted for round 10 minutes. Letexier made a crossed arms gesture to sign racist abuse.

Mourinho spoke to his former participant in the course of the delay, and was later despatched off after play ultimately restarted.

Mourinho instructed Amazon Prime: “Sadly Vinicius was not simply comfortable to attain that astonishing objective after which the sport is over. You must rejoice in a respectful approach.

“[He incited the crowd?] I consider so. The phrases of the 2 gamers, I wish to be unbiased, they are saying two fully diferent issues. He [Prestianni] denies it.

“I instructed him [Vinicius] to rejoice and stroll again for those who rating a objective like this. He was arguing about racism and I mentioned the most important individual within the historical past of this membership, Eusebio, was black. The very last thing this membership is is racist.

“There’s something unsuitable as a result of each stadium he performs in, one thing occurs.”

“I like Jose Mourinho however he has made a poor resolution – that’s perhaps the one time we shouldn’t have heard from him,” mentioned former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott on Amazon Prime.

Steven is a passionate sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing insights, stories, and analysis from the world of football and beyond. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the game, he brings readers closer to the action while keeping them informed and entertained.