Jose Mourinho has imposed a complete blackout on any Real Madrid-related conversations among his Benfica players in the aftermath of their Champions League encounter, which became dominated by racism allegations.
UEFA is now investigating claims that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during the match. The 20-year-old Argentinian has rejected the accusation.
Vinicius alleges Prestianni called him a "monkey" — an account supported by teammate Kylian Mbappe.
However, Prestianni maintains his opponent "misinterpreted what he thinks he heard."
Adding further confusion, Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni told reporters that Prestianni claimed to have used a homophobic term rather than a racist one.
Real Madrid confirmed on Thursday they have submitted "all available evidence" to UEFA, standing firmly behind Vinicius.
Mourinho himself sparked considerable backlash through his post-match remarks, suggesting Vinicius's goal celebration contributed to the volatile situation that unfolded.
Jose Mourinho suggested that Vinicius Jr had provoked Benfica's players with his celebration for Real Madrid | GETTYSpeaking to Amazon Prime, the Portuguese manager said: "It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal in a good game... these talents are able to do these beautiful things but unfortunately he [Vinicius] was not just happy to score that astonishing goal and then the game was over.
"When you score a goal like that you celebrate in a respectful way."
Asked directly whether Vinicius had incited Benfica's players and supporters with his exuberant celebration, Mourinho replied: "Yeah, I believe so."
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Gianluca Prestianni hid his face while speaking with Vinicius Jr in Benfica's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid | GETTYAnti-racism organisation Kick It Out responded with unequivocal condemnation of Mourinho's remarks, accusing him of "gaslighting" the Brazilian forward.
The charity posted on X: "When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported."
They continued: "Focusing on Vinicius Jr's goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting."
Kick It Out warned that such responses harm victims and send damaging signals to others who have faced similar experiences.
The organisation emphasised that football leaders bear responsibility for setting standards, calling for "responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability" while awaiting a thorough investigation with appropriate consequences.
With the second leg in Madrid set to attract global attention next week, Mourinho has directed his squad to concentrate exclusively on their upcoming Primeira Liga match against bottom-placed AVS, who sit nine points from safety, according to the Daily Mail.
Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of the game as Real Madrid beat Benfica | GETTYThe Benfica boss has forbidden any discussion of the Madrid fixture or the surrounding controversy.
Prestianni will miss the AVS game through suspension, having accumulated five yellow cards.
Benfica remain unbeaten domestically this season, winning four of their past five league matches with one draw.
They currently trail leaders Porto by seven points and sit three behind second-placed Sporting at the summit.