Kompany Slams Mourinho Over ‘Unacceptable’ Vinícius Comments

Vincent Kompany has delivered a stinging rebuke to José Mourinho, labelling the Benfica manager’s recent comments as a “huge mistake.” The Bayern Munich boss spoke out following the fallout from Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid. Real winger Vinícius Júnior reported being racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the 1-0 victory at the Estádio da Luz.

Kompany Condemns Mourinho’s Leadership After Racism Row

Mourinho sparked controversy by suggesting Vinícius had provoked the home crowd with his goal celebration. The veteran coach also cited club legend Eusébio as evidence that Benfica remains an inclusive institution. However, Kompany insisted that such rhetoric effectively discredits a victim of discrimination. Consequently, the former Manchester City captain believes Mourinho’s stance represents a failure of leadership on the global stage.

Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt, Kompany delivered a passionate ten-minute address. He noted that talk of celebrations should never distract from the serious nature of racial abuse. Meanwhile, UEFA has launched a formal investigation into the incident, which saw play halted for eleven minutes. Kompany argued that a leader’s primary duty is to protect those facing such “emotional misery.”

Historical Context Ignored in Eusébio Comparison

The Belgian manager was particularly critical of Mourinho’s decision to invoke the name of the legendary Eusébio. Kompany reminded reporters of the immense hardships faced by black footballers during the 1960s. He suggested that black players of that era were often forced into silence to maintain their professional careers. Therefore, using that period as a benchmark for modern racial tolerance is “fundamentally flawed” and “insensitive.”

Kompany drew parallels between Mourinho’s own history of exuberant celebrations and the scrutiny now facing Vinícius. He questioned why the Portuguese manager’s iconic knee slides were accepted while the Brazilian’s joy is questioned. Conversely, he acknowledged that Mourinho is a well-liked figure among his former players and colleagues. However, he insisted that being a “good person” does not excuse making a damaging public error.

Benfica have continued to defend Prestianni, claiming the 20-year-old is the target of a “defamation campaign.” The Argentine midfielder denies the allegations, despite Kylian Mbappé claiming he heard the slurs clearly on the pitch. As the investigation continues, the pressure remains on the Lisbon club to address the rising hostility within their stadium. Success in football, Kompany concluded, must never come at the expense of basic human respect.