Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has stated that he will remove Gianluca Prestianni from the club if he is found guilty of racially abusing Vinícius Júnior.
Prestianni is currently under investigation following allegations made by the Real Madrid winger during the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash against Benfica last month.
Mourinho initially faced criticism for his response after the match, during which he suggested that Vinícius sometimes provokes opponents and declined to directly condemn his 20-year-old winger. However, the Portuguese coach has now shifted his stance.
“If my player did not respect these principles, which are mine and Benfica’s as well, then that player’s career with a coach named Jose Mourinho and at a club named Benfica will come to an end,” Mourinho said.
“I am not a scholar, but I am not ignorant either. The presumption of innocence is a human right, isn’t it?
“I stand by my opinion. If the player is indeed guilty, I will never look at him the way I looked at him before, and with me, it’s over. But I have to put many ‘ifs’ in front of it.”
The comments mark a significant change from his earlier remarks following Benfica’s defeat to Real Madrid — a match in which Mourinho himself was sent off.
In his initial reaction, he had told Amazon Prime Video Sport that while Vinícius scored a remarkable goal, he should have celebrated “in a respectful way.” He also suggested that the Brazilian may have incited the crowd.
Mourinho further defended Benfica against allegations of racism, pointing to club legend Eusébio as evidence of the club’s history and values.
“The biggest person in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist,” he said, while maintaining that he wants to remain independent until investigations are concluded.
The case remains under review, with football authorities expected to determine whether disciplinary action will be taken against Prestianni.
