Vincent Kompany speaks to media after condemning Jose Mourinho’s comments over Vinicius Jr racism allegation in Champions League match.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has criticised Jose Mourinho over his post-match comments following allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Benfica.
Vinicius scored the decisive goal in Real Madrid’s 1–0 victory but was booked for his celebration. The match was briefly halted after the winger reported alleged racist abuse from Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who has denied the accusation. UEFA has since opened an investigation.
Mourinho, who was sent off late in the match for protesting a refereeing decision, described Vinicius’ celebration as “disrespectful” and referenced Benfica legend Eusebio as evidence the club is not racist.
Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt, Kompany said Mourinho’s comments were a “huge mistake” and “unacceptable,” arguing they shifted focus away from the alleged abuse.
“Do you know what Black players had to go through in the 1960s? Was he there to travel with Eusebio to every away game?” Kompany said, questioning the relevance of Mourinho’s reference.
Former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy also criticised Mourinho’s remarks but urged understanding, describing them as emotionally driven.
“The situation, he could have handled it better or chosen his words better, but emotions got the better of him,” McCarthy told BBC World Service presenter Isaac Fanin.
“I know the statement he made was very wrong. But we’re all human, we all make mistakes.”
McCarthy added that Mourinho has historically shown strong support for African players and expressed hope the coach would acknowledge the error.
Kompany, who spoke of his own experiences with racial abuse, warned against focusing on Vinicius’ celebration rather than the allegation itself.
“I’m just thinking when Jose Mourinho is doing the knee slide at Old Trafford… when his Roma are playing Sevilla, and he is fighting with the referee and the referee has to leave the country under protection,” he said.
“I understand he is fighting for his team and his club… but he has made a mistake.”
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