In the wake of a heated Champions League matchup marred by allegations of racism, Jose Mourinho has taken a firm stance with his Benfica squad, instituting a ban on any mention of Real Madrid. The decision comes as UEFA investigates claims made by Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racial slur towards him, a charge that Prestianni denies.

The incident unfolded with Vinicius alleging that he was called a “monkey” by Prestianni, an accusation that was echoed by teammate Kylian Mbappe. Prestianni, who is just 20 years old, countered by suggesting that Vinicius misunderstood his words. Further complicating the narrative, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni reported that Prestianni claimed he used a homophobic slur instead, adding layers to the controversy.

Adding to the tension, Mourinho drew criticism by suggesting that Vinicius’ goal celebration may have escalated the situation. As the teams prepare for the second leg in Madrid, which is set to draw international attention, Mourinho is determined to shift his team’s focus away from the controversy. Sources from Daily Mail Sport indicate that he has directed his players to concentrate solely on their upcoming Primeira Liga match against AVS, a team struggling at the bottom of the league standings.

Mourinho has been explicit in his instructions, emphasizing that discussions about the Madrid match or the Vinicius-Prestianni incident will not be tolerated. By redirecting his players’ attention, he aims to ensure that the focus remains on their immediate league objectives rather than the ongoing UEFA investigation and its surrounding drama.

Next week’s second leg in Madrid will be in the global spotlight and in an attempt to quieten the noise, Daily Mail Sport understands Mourinho has ordered his players to focus solely on their forthcoming Primeira Liga fixture against AVS, who are bottom of the table and nine points adrift of potential safety.

Jose Mourinho has banned all mention of Real Madrid in his Benfica dressing room 

Gianluca Prestianni has been accused of racially abusing Madrid star Vinicius Junior 

He has made it clear he will tolerate no discussion of the Madrid tie or any issues relating to it, such as the Vinicius-Prestianni controversy.

Prestianni will not feature in the AVS fixture as he serves a one-match domestic suspension after collecting five bookings.

Benfica, meanwhile, are seven points behind leaders Porto, and three behind Lisbon rivals Sporting, who are second. They have yet to lose a match in the league and have won four of their last five fixtures, drawing the other game. Mourinho replaced Bruno Lage at the helm last September, signing a two-year deal.

Mourinho has been in the eye of the storm after his post-match comments led to significant backlash within football.

The Portuguese was accused of ‘gaslighting’ Vinicius Jr by anti-racism charity Kick It Out after claiming the Brazilian had ‘incited’ a volatile reaction from his players and crowd because of his over-exuberant celebration.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Mourinho said: ‘It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal in a good game… these talents are able to do these beautiful things but unfortunately he [Vinicius] was not just happy to score that astonishing goal and then the game was over. When you score a goal like that you celebrate in a respectful way.’

When asked if Vinicius had ‘incited’ Benfica’s players and fans with his exuberant celebration, Mourinho said: ‘Yeah, I believe so. The words they exchange, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don’t comment about it.’

Mourinho was seen speaking with Vinicius and Mbappe during the lengthy pause in play, and revealed what he had told the Brazilian.

Benfica’s clash with Madrid descended into chaos shortly after Vinicius Jr scored game’s only goal. The Brazilian claims he was labelled a ‘monkey’ by Prestianni

‘I told him that when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back,’ he added. ‘And then, when he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing it is is racist, so if in his mind it was something in relation to that, this is Benfica.

‘There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always.

‘I’m saying that it was a good 50 minutes of football, millions of people watching around the world, a crazy goal absolutely crazy goal and then game over.’

Kick It Out have unequivocally condemned Mourinho’s comments, insisting that those who ‘focus on Vinicius Jr’s celebration’ are ‘gaslighting’ the situation.

The charity said on X: ‘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 not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations. 

‘Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability. 

‘We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability linked to the outcome.’