Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has responded to former manager Jose Mourinho’s comments, explaining that there is no justification for racism. Mourinho moved the talk from the alleged abuse of Vinicius Junior from Gianluca Prestianni to the Brazilian celebrations, angering the crowd with his words.
Speaking before Real Madrid’s clash with Osasuna, the main talking point was the events of Tuesday night, and for the first time, Vinicius’ well-being was raised.
“He was sad, like everyone else, and angry. It’s an act of racism that we don’t want to happen again, it has no place in our sport. We have a big chance to make sure that this doesn’t go unpunished.”
‘Nothing made me prouder than Tuesday’s events’
After the anti-discrimination protocol was activated by the referee following Prestianni’s words to Vinicius, there was a ten-minute delay. Real Madrid decided to play, but it was a decision made in Brazil.
“I think I have made it clear, the important thing is to fight against these actions, they are not acceptable, we will not allow or tolerate them, they will find us resisting them, I want to be clear, especially if it affects another professional.”
“It was Vinicius’ decision. When he says we have to go, we all go inside, one after the other. I couldn’t be prouder than I was the other day, the way everyone reacted. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing the way we hosted, the way Vinicius supported us, and the way we played.”
‘We cannot portray the victim as the instigator’ – Arbeloa
After Mourinho’s comments on these incidents, given the close friendship between Arbeloa and the Benfica manager, the media wanted to get Arbeloa’s opinion on what his former manager had to say. Arbeloa did not directly condemn Mourinho, but he made it clear that he did not agree with Vinicius’ interpretation.
“Everyone saw what happened, we were all watching the game. That’s the most important thing, we can’t change the subject. We have a great opportunity waiting for us.”
“I don’t like to comment on what others think, not Kompany, not Mou, not anyone. Everyone is free to have their opinion, and I give mine. Vini scored a good goal and celebrated it as we have seen hundreds of times, players danced, in many years, with many players regardless of their background. We cannot portray the victim as a football rebel.” There is nothing the footballer has done.
Arbeloa: ‘It’s time for UEFA to show that the fight against racism is not just talk’
If Prestianni is found guilty in UEFA’s investigation, he will be given the minimum punishment of a ten-match ban. Since no evidence of what he said – apart from the evidence of Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe – has been found, there is doubt that this will be the case. Arbeloa challenged UEFA to follow up with action.
“Now it’s in UEFA’s hands. Now it’s time to show that it’s not just talk, but they’ve been doing a good job at this for years.”
“It’s not for me, it’s not my place to know how UEFA should act. I believe there should be a punishment. We have a good chance to mark a change. We know the love that football evokes, but what happened is intolerable.”
For Vinicius himself, Arbeloa was pleased with his contribution, and impressed by his attitude.
“Vinicius decides the games, he scores amazing goals, he carries the team on his back … and he’s not afraid. He can go through situations like one day and get back on the field. We all get insulted, unfortunately, but I’ve never been insulted because of my skin color. I don’t know if I can deal with it playing, so he can go back to protect himself.”
Real Madrid will travel to El Sadar on Saturday evening hoping to finally beat Barcelona at the top of La Liga, ahead of Benfica on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League tie.
