Benfica boss Mourinho has been heavily criticised for suggesting Vinicius had provoked the abuse with his celebration after scoring the only goal early in the second half. Mourinho said to Amazon Prime: “I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. I want to be an independent.”Mourinho then appeared to comment on previous incidents in which Vinicius has been subject to racist abuse in stadiums. Focusing on Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting. This approach… — Kick It Out (@kickitout) February 18, 2026“Focusing on Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.

Source: Express February 18, 2026 12:36 UTC