Miguel Guedes slams Prestianni vs Vinícius Jr response: “No ifs on racism” | OneFootball

Miguel Guedes, a well-known FC Porto supporter, harshly criticized the way part of the media and various figures in Portuguese football reacted to the alleged racism incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jr., during the match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

The commentator believes there were "pages and images of shame" in the handling of the case, pointing out a difference in standards when compared to other recent episodes in Portuguese football, notably what happened with Marega in Guimarães. For Miguel Guedes, some are quicker to condemn certain cases over others, something he associates with the "color of the jerseys" and the inability to take a firm stand against racist behavior.

In his analysis, the problem goes beyond football, reflecting a broader social reality. He argues that there should be zero tolerance for racism and criticizes the tendency to downplay or minimize similar situations, instead of acknowledging the mistake, expressing regret, and apologizing.

Guedes also points out flaws in how Benfica managed the international repercussion of the case, considering the lack of preparation concerning the media dimension associated with figures like Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, and UEFA to be worrying.

The Porto supporter also criticizes reactions from various football figures, including José Mourinho, for following – according to him – a line of downplaying the incident. For Miguel Guedes, this type of stance ends up having a social impact, especially among the young, by normalizing behaviors that should be clearly condemned.

Even so, he leaves a final note of hope, believing that some of the protagonists might reflect and correct the way they approach these types of situations in the future.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.