KEY POINTS
- Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany criticized Jose Mourinho for discrediting Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
- The dispute follows alleged racial slurs directed at Vinicius by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni during a European match.
- Mourinho defended Benfica by citing the legacy of Black legend Eusebio, a move Kompany labeled as unacceptable.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has delivered a scathing critique of Jose Mourinho’s response to recent racism allegations. The row centers on Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who reported being racially abused during a Champions League fixture. Following the match, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho suggested that Vinicius had incited the crowd with his goal celebrations. Kompany described these comments as a significant failure in leadership that the football world should not tolerate.
The incident occurred during Tuesday’s playoff first-leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. Television footage reportedly showed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni covering his mouth while making remarks toward Vinicius. Real Madrid players interpreted the comments as discriminatory, leading to a formal investigation by UEFA. While Benfica initially defended their player, the governing body is now reviewing evidence of discriminatory behavior.
During a press conference, Mourinho attempted to deflect the racism accusations by referencing Benfica’s history. He claimed the club could not be racist because its greatest historical figure, Eusebio, was also Black. Kompany took great issue with this logic, noting that modern players still face unique struggles. He questioned whether Mourinho truly understood the hardships Black athletes endured in the 1960s.
Kompany spoke for twelve minutes in support of Vinicius Junior while addressing reporters on Friday. He argued that attacking the character of a victim to justify abuse is a dangerous tactic. The Bayern boss emphasized that a player’s celebration should never be used to discredit a report of racism. He urged the football community to stand together and defend core values of respect.
The former Manchester City captain also reflected on his own family history during his passionate defense. He mentioned that his father navigated similar challenges as a Black man during the 1960s. Kompany noted that older generations often had to remain silent and perform ten times better to receive credit. He believes modern football leadership should move away from those outdated and restrictive expectations.
Despite his harsh words for Mourinho‘s specific comments, Kompany maintained that he does not judge the Portuguese coach as a person. He acknowledged that many former players speak highly of Mourinho’s character and coaching abilities. However, he insisted that this specific public stance was a clear error that requires correction. He expressed hope that such mistakes would not be repeated in the future.
The Bayern manager suggested that if Prestianni is found guilty, there should be an opportunity for a sincere apology. He believes that admitting a mistake should be a valid step toward healing and growth within the sport. Kompany warned against creating a “black and white” environment that leaves no room for reconciliation. He advocates for a system where people can take responsibility for their actions.
UEFA’s investigation into the Tuesday night match remains ongoing as officials review audio and video files. Benfica has also launched an internal inquiry to identify any fans involved in discriminatory conduct. The outcome of these probes could lead to significant sanctions for both individuals and the club. Meanwhile, the public debate between two of Europe’s top managers has intensified the spotlight on racism in football.
