Kick It Out accuses Jose Mourinho of ‘gaslighting’ over Vinicius abuse remarks

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has accused Jose Mourinho of gaslighting for 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 a member of the Benfica team – whom the Spanish side later claimed to have been winger Gianluca Prestianni – to the referee.

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. They (Vinicius and Prestianni) told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. 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.

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” the Portuguese said. “A stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.”

Those words were met with a strong rebuke from Kick It Out, which said in a statement: “When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.

When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.

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.

“This approach