Vinicius Jr is facing orchestrated bullying — Mourinho

Abdullateef Fowewe

Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho has defended Vinicius Junior, describing the treatment of the Brazilian winger by opposition players and crowds as “straightforward bullying” rather than ordinary football provocation.

Mourinho said Vinicius was “not a saint” but argued that the repeated hostility directed at the 26-year-old has gone beyond acceptable limits, placing an extraordinary emotional burden on the player.

“He is not a saint, but what they are doing to him is way too much.

“We are in an era where we fight against bullying, but with Viní it’s straightforward bullying from the crowd, from the opponents,” Mourinho said.

The Portuguese coach claimed the treatment is coordinated from the opening moments of matches, with opponents taking turns in provoking the Real Madrid forward.

“This is all orchestrated. From the start of the match it’s like that from one opponent to the other,” he added.

Mourinho also revealed that he once advised Vinicius to be cautious with his goal celebrations in order to avoid being sent off, saying the very need for such advice reflects the problem facing the player.

“I talked to him. I said, ‘If you score, please watch how you celebrate, because I want you to stay on the pitch.’

“The need to say that to him, that is what is wrong. It shouldn’t happen. That’s why I say — this is bullying,” he said.

Vinicius has repeatedly been at the centre of racism-related controversies and heated on-pitch incidents during his time in Spanish football, with the Real Madrid star often subjected to intense scrutiny over his reactions as well as the abuse directed towards him.