Mourinho says Prestianni's Benfica career over if found guilty of racial abuse

Jose Mourinho said Sunday that Gianluca Prestianni will no longer play for Benfica if he is found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of Benfica's domestic match against Gil Vicente, Mourinho stated he was "completely, utterly opposed to any kind of discrimination or prejudice or ignorance or stupidity." He added that if his player did not respect these principles, which are his own and Benfica's, "that player's career with a coach named Jose Mourinho and at a club named Benfica will come to an end."

Prestianni, an Argentine player, is under investigation by UEFA following allegations made by Real Madrid players during a Champions League knockout play-off first leg last month. He was suspended for the return leg in Madrid, which Benfica lost. The club's appeal against the suspension was rejected.

Prestianni has denied the allegations but faces a lengthy ban if found guilty by UEFA.

Mourinho emphasized the presumption of innocence as a human right while making clear his position on the matter. "I am not a scholar, but I am not ignorant either," he said. "The presumption of innocence is a human right, isn't it?"

The Benfica manager's comments represent a shift in his public stance on the case. He had faced criticism for his initial remarks in the aftermath of the first leg, when he defended Prestianni. In his latest statement, Mourinho stressed that he would not make premature judgments or criticize the player while the investigation proceeds, but outlined the consequences should the allegations be substantiated.

"If, and I repeat, if my player did not respect these principles, which are mine and Benfica's as well, then that player's career with a coach named Jose Mourinho and at a club named Benfica has ended," Mourinho said during the press conference.