Courtois on Prestianni row: homophobic slurs as serious as racist abuse | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois urged football to stamp out abuse as he spoke before Real Madrid’s Champions League tie with Benfica. He also said Madrid must start fast because the first-leg result is deceptive.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Courtois said José Mourinho will defend his club and player, but he was disappointed the celebration was used and said no alleged racist act can be excused. He called José Luis Chilavert’s attacks on Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé lamentable and unacceptable from a former footballer.

He described the crowd images as deplorable and said a homophobic slur is as serious as calling a player a monkey. Courtois argued games should be stopped and offenders removed. He noted that Vinícius chose to continue, so any stand-off would then rest with the UEFA delegate.

Álvaro Arbeloa was more guarded, sidestepping questions on Mourinho’s stance, UEFA’s sanction on Prestianni, or disciplinary fallout. He expects a big Champions League night at the Bernabéu and stressed the fans’ importance. He said the squad have not discussed Prestianni’s absence and that UEFA has a chance to set a line against racism.

Arbeloa said Vinícius is in good spirits and remains a leader. He added Kylian Mbappé is ready to play despite recent discomfort, praising his commitment and threat. He declined to assess Joan Laporta’s remarks, saying the Negreira case remains unresolved and is the gravest in Spanish football history.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo