Mikael Silvestre has claimed that Jose Mourinho has “failed us” over his response to Vinicius Junior’s allegations of racist abuse.
The 25-year-old left the field during Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off in Lisbon on Tuesday after reporting Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni to the referee.
But Benfica manager Mourinho appeared apportion some blame to Vinicius, telling reporters afterwards: “A stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.”
On Wednesday, former Manchester United defender Silvestre told Sky News that Mourinho was trying to mislead fans with his comments.
“In terms of what high level and reputation he has, Jose Mourinho failed us,” said Silvestre. “As an industry, and as human beings, he completely misled everyone – or he tried.
“But we are not foolish – and we know what happened.”
Prestianni, however, has denied making racist comments towards Vinicius, claiming he was “misunderstood” by his opponent.
Mourinho also came under fire for claiming Vinicius had provoked the abuse with his celebration after scoring the only goal early in the second half.
The Brazilian danced around the corner flag, an apparent nod to Cameroonian Roger Milla’s iconic World Cup celebration.
Mourinho told Amazon Prime: “I told him, when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.”
Silvestre hit back, adding: “For Jose Mourinho to divert and even vilify Vinicius Junior behaviour for celebrating the goal that he did – remembering Roger Milla for Cameroon years ago – it’s not the way a top manager like him should do.
“We expect better, clearly it was bad for everyone, and I hope he’s regretting his comment during the game, and also after during the press conference.”
Read more:
Mourinho sounded like he was victim blaming – Vinicius needs empathy
Real Madrid game against Benfica halted over alleged racial slur
Silvestre is a member on the FIFA Player’s Voice Panel, tasked with advising on on-pitch racism incidents, alongside legends such as George Weah and Didier Drogba.
Prestianni’s response to abuse allegation
In a statement in Portuguese on Instagram, shared by Benfica on social media, Prestianni denied he made any racist comments.
He wrote: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vinicius Junior, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”