Kompany Fires Back at Mourinho Over "Unacceptable" Vinicius Jr Comments
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany believes José Mourinho committed a "significant error" with his "inappropriate" statements following the alleged racist incident targeting Vinicius Junior.
The Real Madrid star netted the decisive goal in their midweek Champions League victory against Benfica, but upon returning to the center circle before play resumed, he reportedly faced a racist remark from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.
The Argentine player has refuted these allegations and received strong support from his team. Mourinho, who conversed with Vinicius Jr during the incident as play was halted for 10 minutes, chose to defend his player while surprisingly attributing responsibility to Vinicius Jr for the situation.
"I advised [Vinicius], after scoring such a goal you simply celebrate and return," Mourinho told the media. "When he raised concerns about racism, I reminded him that this club's greatest legend [Eusébio] was black. This institution is anything but racist. If he perceived something related to that, this is Benfica we're talking about."
Kompany: Huge Mistake to 'Discredit' Vinicius Jr
Kompany: Significant Error to 'Undermine' Vinicius Jr
Mourinho's statements have prompted a firm reaction from Bayern Munich's Kompany, who addressed the Lisbon events during his press conference.
"Following the match, you have an organizational leader, José Mourinho, who essentially questions Vinicius Jr's character by referencing his celebration style to undermine what Vinicius Jr represents in this situation," Kompany stated.
"From a leadership perspective, this represents a significant error and something we cannot tolerate."
"I'm acquainted with 100 individuals who've collaborated with José Mourinho. I've never heard anyone speak negatively about José," he added. "I recognize he's advocating for his squad and institution. You cannot be a poor character and have all your former players speak so favorably about you.
"I don't need to assess him personally, but I know what I've witnessed. I understand perhaps his intentions, but he has erred."
Vinicius Jr 'Repulsed' by Mourinho Remarks
Vinicius Jr 'Disgusted' by Mourinho Comments
Reports from Spanish media El Chiringuito suggest Vinicius has been understandably angered by Mourinho's remarks, finding the Benfica coach's stance "disgusting."
Vinicius posted on social media following the triumph at Estádio da Luz, stating: "Racists are fundamentally cowards. They must cover their faces to reveal their weakness. Yet they receive protection from those who supposedly have a duty to sanction them.
"What occurred today isn't unprecedented in my experience or my team's journey. I was booked for goal celebration. I remain puzzled by this decision. Meanwhile, it was simply a flawed procedure that accomplished nothing."
UEFA and Portuguese authorities have initiated an inquiry into the matter.