Former Barcelona striker, Gary Lineker, has criticized Benfica manager Jose Mourinho for his comments on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff first leg tie.
Lineker hit out at Mourinho’s implication that Vinicius somehow incited the alleged racial insult from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni with his goal celebration.
After the match, Mourinho suggested that Vinicius brought on the abuse from Prestianni by dancing in front of the Benfica crowd.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker expressed his dismay, describing Mourinho’s comments as depressing.
“The post-match tribalism after the Benfica game was depressing,” Lineker said.
“José Mourinho had the gall to blame Vinicius for celebrating his goal, basically saying he had it coming. I’m sorry, but that is gaslighting.
“This is not about tribalism; it is a moment that calls for unity in football, not division.”