taxes Mourinho's 'celebration remarks' drew public disappointment from his former pupil John Obi Mikel.
On the 24th (Korea time), Mikel directly addressed Mourinho's remarks on his podcast. The trigger was the controversy surrounding Vinícius Júnior's celebration.
In a situation where allegations of racial discrimination were raised, the passage in which Mourinho said "Vinícius shouldn't have celebrated like that" became the spark.
Mikel said it was different from what he expected. He said, "I thought the coach would first say, 'Racial discrimination is never acceptable. I will wait for the results of the investigation.'"
The view is that a message emphasizing principle should have come first. But the remarks that followed went in a different direction. Pointing out the celebration while the victim's situation was being discussed was judged inappropriate both in timing and context.
Coach Mikel said, "He is a very smart person. He will already know that he made a mistake."
It is interpreted as a posteffect of an interview after an emotional match, a consequence of a momentary choice. At the same time, he added, "I don't know why he hasn't apologized yet."
However, he avoided a definitive judgment. Mikel drew a line, saying, "No one who has worked with Mourinho would call him a racist. Especially on this issue, that is absolutely not the case."
The key is whether there will be an apology. Mikel predicted, "In the end, he will come to me and admit, 'I made a mistake.'"
However, for Benfica and coach Mourinho, an apology for the remark seems unlikely.
SL Benfica said on the 24th (hereinafter Korea time) in an official statement immediately after UEFA's announcement, "We were informed that Prestiani has been provisionally suspended for one match during the investigation into the incident that occurred in the match against Real Madrid," and added, "We regret that a player cannot play while the incident is still under investigation."
Benfica immediately said it would appeal the decision. The club said, "Although the schedule makes it difficult to have a practical impact on the second leg of the Champions League playoff, we will appeal UEFA's decision on principle," raising issues of procedural legitimacy. It expressed concern about a player being sanctioned before suspicions are fully clarified.
At the same time, the club reaffirmed its firm opposition to racial discrimination. In the statement, Benfica said, "Fighting all forms of racism and discriminatory acts is the club's historical identity," mentioning the club foundation's activities and the legacy of legendary player Eusébio to emphasize its anti-discrimination principles.
Because of this situation, it seems difficult for coach Mourinho and Benfica to apologize to Vinícius.
/mcadoo@osen.co;.kr
[OSEN]