Mourinho’s Controversial Comments on Racism and Vinicius Junior

omidbasir- Following AS Roma’s defeat to Sevilla in the 2023 UEFA Cup final in Budapest, José Mourinho was observed in the parking lot expressing disdain towards referee Anthony Taylor, labeling him a “f*cking disgrace.” This reaction mirrors Mourinho’s response to the ongoing racism controversy involving Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni.

Mourinho’s remarks suggested that Vinicius had somehow instigated the abuse he received, a viewpoint that reflects a troubling mindset prevalent among certain figures in football. The 63-year-old coach was quoted saying, “I told him, when you score a goal like that, you should celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I mentioned that the most significant figure in this club’s history, Eusebio, was black.” He added that Benfica cannot be considered a racist club, indicating disbelief in the racial allegations.

Mourinho’s logic was flawed, as it implied that the historic presence of a black player could absolve the club of any potential racial bias. Racism, an irrational hatred often based purely on skin color, cannot be dismissed by referencing a club icon. This reasoning dangerously perpetuates the narrative that Vinicius somehow invites racial abuse through his actions.

He further claimed that Vinicius consistently faces hostility in stadiums, stating, “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium where he plays.” However, this assertion lacks credibility; while Vinicius may not be universally liked due to his on-field demeanor, the implication that he provokes abuse is deeply misguided.

Historic instances of racial abuse against Vinicius underscore the seriousness of the issue. The disdain directed at him often stems from his cultural expressions, such as dance celebrations, which have been weaponized against him. Such comments, reminiscent of those made by football agent Pedro Bravo in September 2022, highlight the ongoing struggle against racism in the sport.

Mourinho’s attempt to advise Vinicius on his goal celebrations is laden with irony; he has never faced racial abuse despite his own history of inflammatory reactions to rival fans. The double standard raises questions about acceptable behavior in football—why is it acceptable for Mourinho to respond to provocation but not for Vinicius to celebrate his heritage?

Critics, including Clarence Seedorf, have condemned Mourinho’s remarks, emphasizing that no justification exists for racial abuse. Seedorf noted that Mourinho’s comments suggest it is permissible to blame the victim for provoking such behavior, a notion that must be firmly rejected.

This incident is not isolated; Vinicius has repeatedly found himself at the center of racial controversies, highlighting an alarming trend in football that persists unchecked. The case of Moise Kean, whose teammate Leonardo Bonucci suggested he share blame for racist abuse in 2019, illustrates a long-standing issue.

Ultimately, the focus must shift from blaming victims to holding perpetrators accountable. As Vinicius stated, “Racists are, above all, cowards,” and it is imperative that the football community, including figures like Mourinho, take a stand against such behavior, supporting those who confront racism rather than chastising them.