You can’t justify racism over celebration, Courtois blasts Mourinho

Abdullateef Fowewe

Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois has delivered a stinging rebuke to Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese manager defended Benfica player’s racist remark against Vinicius Junior by pointing to the Brazilian’s provocative goal celebration.

The confrontation unfolded following Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica, reigniting debates over persistent racism targeting Vinicius since 2023.

“Mourinho is Mourinho, as a coach you’ll always defend your club and you’ll believe your player but one thing disappointed me,” Courtois said, his voice steady but firm.

He didn’t hold back, “Mourinho was using Vini’s celebration as an excuse. You can not justify racism over a celebration.”

Mourinho, now at the helm of Benfica, had argued on the touchline during the match that Vinicius’s celebratory gestures provoked the crowd’s abusive response—chants widely condemned as racist.