Real Madrid mnaager Alvaro Arbeloa – ‘When Mourinho finds out what he said, he will be the first…’
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has fully backed Vinicius Junior, after allegations of racial abuse by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. The Brazilian informed the referee about the abuse during their 1-0 win over Benfica, and the match was stopped for around 10 minutes following the activation of the anti-racism protocol.
Following the events during the game, it was the main topic of the press conference of Arbeloa after the game, and he was asked if he believed that he really believed that Prestianni had called Vinicius a monkey.
“I believe what Vini said. Yes. I will never doubt Vini’s words,” Arbeloa told Diario AS after the match.
“You have to ask the Benfica player. We all deserve to hear his answer. It is clear that there must be total tolerance for racism. We will not allow things like this to happen on the football field in 2026.”
‘We could have gone if Vinicius wanted’ – Arbeloa
Teammate Kylian Mbappe backed Vinicius’ version of events, telling the media that he had called Vinicius a monkey five times. Arbeloa revealed that he would have dragged his players to the field if Vinicius decided that was what he wanted.
“What I told him is that if he wants to continue playing, we will be by his side, no matter what decision he makes, we will always be by his side.
The referee Francois Letexier could not take any strong action, he did not hear the insult.
“The referee told me that he didn’t hear anything and there was nothing he could do, it was Vinicius’ decision.
‘If Jose finds out, he’ll be the first to say…’
Arbeloa and Mourinho spoke during the long suspension, and Arbeloa called on his former boss to drop Prestianni.
“I didn’t see Vini’s celebration. I saw a wonderful goal, however. I think that Jose, when he finds out what happened and what his player said, will be the first to say that he will not allow it. Zero tolerance, and we are very happy with the team. This is the Real Madrid we want to see.”
In his press conference after the game, Mourinho said that he cannot be partial to one player as both of them came out with different stories.
‘Vinicius is calm but depressed’ – Arbeloa
Arbeloa noted that without players setting an example, it would be difficult for football to end racism. He spoke highly of his star forward for his management.
“Someone. It’s something that nobody likes… Obviously, it’s something that we have to eliminate in football. If the players don’t do something about it, it’s very difficult.”
“The sad thing is, it’s not the first time. Vini is not only an amazing player, but a guy that everyone loves. When you get to know him, you see what kind of person he is. He always has to overcome situations like this, and we will be there for him.”
