Thibaut Courtois has mentioned he was “disappointed” by José Mourinho’s declare that Vinícius Júnior‘s purpose celebration led to the star being allegedly racially abused, as Real Madrid put together to host Benfica of their Champions League playoff second leg on Wednesday.
UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one recreation as its investigation into the incident — which adopted Vinícius’ purpose in Madrid’s 1-0 win in Lisbon final week — continues, with Benfica and Prestianni each insisting on the participant’s innocence.
In the aftermath of the primary leg, Mourinho — who can be suspended for the second leg after being pink carded late in final week’s match — prompt that the Brazil worldwide’s celebration, dancing by the nook flag on the Estadio da Luz, had sparked the confrontation.
“Mourinho is Mourinho, and as a coach you’ll always defend your club, and what your player has told you,” Courtois mentioned in a information convention on Tuesday. “But what disappointed me was using Vini’s celebration. Vini didn’t do anything wrong. We can’t justify an apparent racist act because of a player’s celebration.”
Despite his ban, Prestianni has travelled with the Benfica squad to Madrid for Wednesday’s recreation on the Bernabéu. “It’s a big moment for football to deal with these things,” Courtois mentioned.
“In the dressing room we know what Vinicius told us. It’s happened a lot of times in football, on the field, in stadiums, we have to deal with it now.
“I do know Vini heard it 100%, and I consider him 100%. As [Prestianni] lined his face together with his shirt, we’ll by no means know for positive. Benfica are defending their participant, and the establishments will resolve what they need to resolve.”
UEFA’s disciplinary regulations include a guideline of a 10-game suspension for discriminatory behaviour.
Sources have told ESPN that in evidence to UEFA, Prestianni has said he used an anti-gay slur when talking to Vinicius, rather than a racist one.
“To me that appears simply as critical,” Courtois said. “It’s a homophobic insult. It’s simply as critical… We cannot ever settle for racism, homophobia, and people sort of issues.”
Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa called for UEFA to “ensure that [anti-racism] is not only a slogan, a pleasant banner earlier than a recreation.”
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Arbeloa mentioned: “We hope they take the chance. [Vini] is okay, he is enthusiastic, he is motivated for this sort of recreation. Since I arrived [in January] he is been decisive.”
Another Madrid ahead, Kylian Mbappé, has struggled with a knee drawback in latest weeks, however Arbeloa mentioned he was accessible for Wednesday’s recreation.
“Kylian is able to play tomorrow, which proper now could be crucial factor.” Arbeloa said. “It’s necessary to worth the dedication he is displaying to his teammates, he is making an attempt to assist us on the pitch.”
