On the eve of Real Madrid’s decisive UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica, Thibaut Courtois stepped in front of the media and the focus quickly shifted from football to controversy.
Los Blancos carry a narrow advantage into the return leg after a 0-1 first-leg victory sealed by Vinicius Jr.
However, much of the pre-match discussion revolved around the ongoing disciplinary case involving Gianluca Prestianni and the alleged racist insult directed at the Brazilian forward.
On Prestianni and Mourinho
When asked directly about Prestianni, Courtois did not hold back. “This is a great moment for football to put an end to these things.
“We know what Vinicius has told us and it’s something that has happened on many occasions. We have to put a stop to it. UEFA decides.”
On whether Madrid players would refuse a handshake if Prestianni features, the goalkeeper kept things straight.
Mourinho was quite critical of Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“It’s something we players haven’t discussed. We’ll see what we decide as a team.”
The press conference also touched on comments made by Jose Mourinho. Courtois responded calmly but firmly.
“Well, Mourinho is Mourinho, and as a coach, you’re always going to defend your club. But it bothers me that Vinicius’ celebration is being used, because when Real Madrid scores, it’s double or triple.
“It happened, and we have to move on. It happened, and we can’t justify an alleged act of racism because of a celebration.”
Rui Costa’s comments
Regarding Benfica president Rui Costa and his defence of Prestianni, Courtois added,
“Using Fede’s name has nothing to do with it. He had no intention of hitting an opponent.
“As for Prestianni, it’s difficult. It’s always going to be one person’s word against another’s.
“But we are 100% behind Vinicius, who has been through a lot… and has never said anything like that.
“I heard him 100%, as I’ve heard him many times before, and I believe him 100%. Since he covered his mouth, we’ll never know.
“Benfica will defend their player. But there’s not much more we can do: it’s up to UEFA, to the institutions.”
More on Prestianni
Prestianni is provisionally suspended. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
When asked about reports suggesting Prestianni may have used a homophobic slur, Courtois was clear.
“It seems he said it, and I think it’s just as serious. They are homophobic insults. What happened in the stands at Da Luz was extremely serious.
“Because you may like one player more or less than another, but doing that is deplorable.
“I don’t know if they’ve condemned it, if they’ve said they’re going to prosecute those who made the monkey gestures but both racism and homophobia are unacceptable.
“And their insults are just as strong. If they don’t cover their mouths there… we can imagine what they say when they do cover their mouths.”
On potential measures to prevent such incidents, he said,
“It’s difficult, because sometimes you want to say something to your teammate without anyone else hearing, but if it’s to put an end to insults, then I’m all for it.
“In many sports, lots of players wear microphones. Or the referees themselves. And you can hear everything. If it’s to put an end to racism, then I have no problem with it.”
Finally, addressing anti-racism protocols, Courtois concluded,
“They are getting better. Ultimately, the problem is that at that moment, it is Vinicius who decides whether we play again, because if he says no, we consider leaving.
“And let the UEFA official decide what happens with the match. Then… as for the stands, the game should be stopped and those people should be ejected.”
Source: AS