Jose Mourinho has warned that Gianluca Prestianni’s time at Benfica would end if the winger is proven to have racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Speaking on Sunday, Mourinho — who was criticised for comments he made after the first-leg clash — said he was “completely, utterly opposed to any kind of discrimination or prejudice or ignorance or stupidity.” He added that both he and Benfica hold those principles and that any player who breaches them would not continue at the club under his management.
At the same time Mourinho stressed the presumption of innocence, saying: “The presumption of innocence is a human right, isn’t it?” He reiterated that he stands by his opinion but must consider the evidence: if Prestianni is found guilty, Mourinho said he would no longer view the player the same way and “with me, it’s over.”
The incident and immediate fallout
The controversy began in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off, when Vinicius scored and was booked for celebrating in front of Benfica fans. He was then confronted by Prestianni, who lifted his shirt over his mouth and appeared to say something. Vinicius refused to continue the match, the referee stopped play and activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Mourinho’s initial post-match comments — in which he defended Benfica’s history and referenced club legend Eusébio — drew criticism and intensified scrutiny. He has since said he wants to be independent in assessing what happened and emphasised his opposition to racism.
The stoppage was lengthy and heated: Mourinho was seen speaking to a distraught Vinicius, a Benfica staff member received a red card, and Mourinho himself was later sent off in a separate incident. He sat out the second leg through suspension; Benfica lost that match 2-1 and exited 3-1 on aggregate.
UEFA investigation and provisional suspension
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Prestianni. The 18-year-old was suspended for the return leg in Madrid after an ethics inspector reviewed initial testimony and recommended a provisional, one-game suspension while the investigation continues. UEFA has said the inspector found prima facie evidence of a breach of rules on discriminatory behaviour — an offence that carries a minimum 10-game ban if proven.
Prestianni denies the allegations. UEFA describes the temporary suspension as without prejudice, noting the player will have a full hearing and the chance to defend himself.
Reactions from players
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé publicly said he heard Prestianni direct repeated racial insults at Vinicius, explaining he believed the player should not be allowed to play in the Champions League if those claims are true. Mbappé said he heard the insult multiple times while Prestianni had his shirt over his mouth, and argued that football should set a clear example for young fans and not tolerate discriminatory conduct.
Context and wider concerns
Vinicius has frequently spoken out about racist abuse he has suffered in stadiums. In a notable precedent, three Valencia fans were jailed in June 2024 for racially abusing him during a LaLiga match the previous year — the first verdict of its kind in Spain.
Mourinho lamented that incidents involving Vinicius seem to recur at stadiums and reiterated the need to address discriminatory behaviour firmly, while also insisting on a fair process for the player accused.
What happens next
UEFA’s disciplinary body will continue its investigation, hold a hearing, and consider evidence and witness testimony before reaching a decision. If found guilty, Prestianni could face a long ban from European competition; if not, he will be cleared to resume his career with Benfica. Mourinho’s position is clear: a guilty finding would mean the end of that career under his management.