‘It bothers me that Vinicius’ celebration is being used against him’ – Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois | OneFootball

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says it “bothers” him that Vinicius Junior’s celebration against Benfica is being used against him.

Vinicius Junior alleged that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni used racist language towards him in Real’s first-leg Champions League play-off victory in Portugal.

It followed a clash between the players, with Benfica unhappy with the way Vinicius celebrated his goal.

Prestianni will not play in the second leg on Wednesday, having been handed a provisional one-match suspension while UEFA investigates the incident.

Courtois was asked about the comments made by Benfica boss and his former manager at Chelsea Jose Mourinho, who criticised Vinicius’ celebration.

“Mourinho is Mourinho and, as a coach, you’ll always defend your club,” Courtois said.

“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.”

Courtois also says action must be taken against Benfica supporters making racist gestures in the stands during the game.

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

“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 is two metres away and he has to act. We can keep improving in these areas… and stop being so foolish.”