Mourinho condemns bullying of Vinícius by Espanyol players and fans | OneFootball

José Mourinho accused Espanyol’s players and supporters of bullying Vinícius after Real Madrid’s hard-fought win, urging his forward to keep his composure. He stopped short of saying it outright at first, then introduced the term later.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he argued the treatment started from the opening minute, pointing to an early foul by Calatrava that Madrid felt warranted a dismissal.

Mourinho accepted Vinícius is no saint but said the treatment is excessive, describing a recurring pattern across opponents, with fouls shared around once bookings appear.

He said he spoke to the Brazilian at half-time about emotional control, even advising caution with any celebration if he scored. He added that the club must educate and prepare him as much as possible.

The forward was met with persistent boos from the home crowd and chants referencing a beach ball. Mourinho framed it as bullying from rivals and the stands despite a wider anti-bullying social climate.

On the game, he felt Madrid’s victory was deserved, while calling Espanyol’s defeat harsh because they did not deserve to lose.

He largely avoided commenting on the referee. Espanyol coach Manolo González felt Vinícius should have been sent off for two bookings and said he withdrew booked players because he did not trust the officiating.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”