Jose Mourinho says ‘it’s over’ at Benfica for Gianluca Prestianni if racist allegations are proven

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has issued a stark warning to Gianluca Prestianni, stating the player will have no future at the club if found guilty of racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. The Argentinian midfielder is currently under investigation by UEFA following allegations made by Vinicius during last month’s Champions League play-off in Lisbon.

Prestianni, who denies the claims, was handed a provisional one-match ban, causing him to miss the second leg of the tie last week, as UEFA launched its formal inquiry. The 20-year-old faces severe repercussions should the allegations be proven true.

Mourinho had initially drawn criticism for his response to the incident, having suggested Vinicius may have incited the crowd with his goal celebration and for not immediately condemning Prestianni.

However, speaking to reporters on Sunday, the Portuguese manager clarified his position, asserting he was “completely, utterly opposed to any kind of discrimination or prejudice or ignorance or stupidity”.

The 63-year-old further elaborated at a press conference: “If my player did not respect these principles, which are mine and Benfica’s as well, then that player’s career with a coach named Jose Mourinho and at a club named Benfica will come to an end.”

Acknowledging the legal process, Mourinho added: “I am not a scholar, but I am not ignorant either. The presumption of innocence is a human right, isn’t it? I stand by my opinion. If the player is indeed guilty, I will never look at him the way I looked at him before, and with me, it’s over. But I have to put many ‘ifs’ in front of it.”

The alleged flashpoint occurred after Vinicius scored the only goal of the game early in the second half at the Estadio da Luz, with Prestianni reportedly covering his mouth with his shirt at the time he is said to have directed a comment towards the Brazilian.