Mourinho Says He Was Judged Too Soon Over Benfica Racism Controversy

José Mourinho has revisited the Champions League controversy that overshadowed Real Madrid’s meeting with Benfica last February, saying he was unfairly judged before the facts of the case had been established.

Benfica tie stopped under anti-racism procedure

The round-of-16 match in Lisbon was suspended for around 10 minutes after a Brazilian winger made an official complaint and the referee put UEFA’s anti-racism protocol into effect.

Benfica’s young Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni was subsequently punished by UEFA for discriminatory behaviour. The sanction was not imposed for racism on the field, a distinction Mourinho believes was lost amid the reaction to the incident.

• The dispute arose during Benfica’s Champions League last-16 fixture against Madrid in February.
• Play was halted for approximately 10 minutes following the complaint.
• UEFA found Prestianni guilty of discriminatory conduct rather than an on-pitch racist offence.

Mourinho says evidence was unclear

Four months into his spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, the 63-year-old said the episode became impossible to contain as public opinion turned sharply against him in Lisbon.

Mourinho said Prestianni had not received a ban for racism, but felt he was heavily criticised by “opportunists” during a situation he could not control. He explained that he would not publicly align himself with either party because the accounts were contested and there was no proof available at the time.

“One player said the allegation was untrue, and nobody had evidence,” Mourinho said. “In that situation, you cannot choose a side.”

The Madrid coach nevertheless stressed that he was pleased the two young players involved had been able to move beyond the confrontation. He described one as “a fantastic kid” and the other as “another golden boy”.

Villarreal comes before Rome return

Madrid’s immediate focus is Saturday’s home meeting with Villarreal in La Liga matchday eight. Victory over the Yellow Submarine would protect the side’s domestic momentum and provide a lift before their next European assignment.

Mourinho is then due to return to Rome for an emotional reunion on Wednesday, October 14, when Madrid travel to face the Giallorossi.