Gianluca Prestianni ban: Thibaut Courtois says Vinicius Jr’s celebration does not justify racist abuse

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says Vinicius Jr’s celebration against Benfica in last week’s Champions League tie in Portugal «does not justify a suspected act of racism».

Vinicius alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni shortly after scoring a stunning goal that earned the Spanish side a 1-0 win in the knockout round first-leg encounter.

Argentine winger Prestianni denied racially abusing Vinicius but has been handed a one-game provisional ban by Uefa and will miss Wednesday’s return in Madrid.

Vinicius was shown a yellow card for celebrating in front of the Benfica supporters after his strike.

Speaking after the game, Benfica boss Jose Mourinho said he believed the Brazilian forward had acted disrespectfully and incited the crowd.

«Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,» added Mourinho.

Asked about the comments from his former Chelsea manager, Courtois said: «Mourinho is Mourinho and, as a coach, you’ll always defend your club.

«But it bothers me that Vinicius’ celebration is being used against him.

«Vini didn’t do anything bad. He celebrated the same way many rivals have celebrated against us.

«It happened, and we can’t justify a suspected act of racism because of a celebration. I think we have to be less stupid as a society.»

Mourinho, who is suspended for the second leg at the Bernabeu following his dismissal later in the match, said he was told different things by Vinicius and Prestianni regarding the incident.

Courtois refused to be drawn on comments from Benfica president Rui Costa, who said Prestianni «is not racist» and deserves the club’s trust after «being crucified», but reiterated his support for his own team-mate.

«Vini has never said anything like that, so I’m 100% sure he heard it,» said the Belgian.

«I believe him completely. Since he’s keeping quiet, we’ll never know for sure, but there’s not much more we can do.»

The tie was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius alerted referee Francois Letexier to the incident, before his team-mates temporarily left the pitch.

Courtois said Real were prepared to «stand their ground», but agreed to complete the game after Vinicius said he wanted to continue.

There were also reports of racist gestures in the stands at Estadio da Luz.

«The other things that happened in the stands, in my opinion, warrant stopping the match and kicking those people out,» added Courtois.

«As footballers, we don’t see everything, but it happens when we’re focused on the game. There have to be people in charge who see that.

«There’s a Benfica security guard who’s two metres away and he has to act. We can keep improving in these areas… and stop being so foolish.»

Uefa has subsequently sanctioned Prestianni, 20, on a provisional basis, pending the result of a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.

The European governing body said further punishment could be handed out once that investigation is completed.

Real manager Alvaro Arbeloa urged Uefa to use this incident as a chance to make a statement.

«We have a great opportunity to mark a turning point in the fight against racism,» he said.

«Uefa, which has always been and has led this fight against racism, now has the chance not to leave it at just a slogan, at just a nice banner before matches, and I hope that they seize this opportunity.»