The Benfica boss, Jose Mourinho, faced criticism for his reaction to the racist abuse claims made against Vinicius Junior. While the former Manchester United defender, Mikael Silvestre, advocated for a suspension and vindication program for the player, Mourinho's response sparked debate. Mourinho's statement that 'Benfica is not a racist club' was seen as an attempt to pressure Vinicius into continuing the game, which many felt was inappropriate. The incident also highlighted the complex dynamics between players, managers, and referees in handling such situations. UEFA's three-step racism protocol, established in 2009, provides guidelines for referees to halt or abandon matches if racist behavior persists. However, the protocol's effectiveness and the role of players and managers in addressing racism remain subjects of discussion and controversy.
