Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has condemned comments made by Jose Mourinho following allegations of racial abuse against Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica.
Vinicius scored the only goal in Madrid’s 1–0 win but was cautioned for his goal celebration. The match was briefly stopped after he reported alleged racist remarks from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who has denied the claim. UEFA has opened an investigation into the incident.
Mourinho, who was dismissed late in the game for disputing a refereeing decision, later criticised Vinicius’ celebration as “disrespectful” and pointed to Benfica icon Eusebio as proof the club is not racist.
Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt, Kompany described Mourinho’s remarks as a “huge mistake” and “unacceptable,” saying they diverted attention from the core issue.
“Do you know what Black players had to go through in the 1960s? Was he there to travel with Eusebio to every away game?” Kompany said.
Former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy also criticised Mourinho’s comments but urged perspective, suggesting emotions influenced the response.
“The situation, he could have handled it better or chosen his words better, but emotions got the better of him,” McCarthy told BBC World Service presenter Isaac Fanin.
“I know the statement he made was very wrong. But we’re all human, we all make mistakes.”
McCarthy said Mourinho has a record of supporting African players and expressed hope he would acknowledge the error.
Kompany, reflecting on his own experiences of racial abuse, warned against allowing debate over celebrations to overshadow the allegation itself.
“I understand he is fighting for his team and his club,” he said. “But he has made a mistake.”
