Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke about the racist controversy between forward Vinicius Junior and midfielder Gianluca Prestianni at a press conference before the second leg of the UEFA Champions League match against Benfica.
"Now is the time to put an end to such things in football. We know what Vinicius told us... and it has happened many times before. We must put an end to it. The decision is made by UEFA.
(Jose) Mourinho is Mourinho, and as a coach you will always defend your club. But I am concerned that Vinicius' goal celebration is being used against him; because when Real Madrid scores, it gets twice or three times as much attention. This happened and we have to move on. This happened and we cannot justify the alleged racist act because of the goal celebration.
(Regarding the words of the president of Benfica) it is difficult to say anything; it will always be one word against another. However, we 100% support Vinicius, who has been through a lot. He heard it 100%, just like he had heard it many times before, and I believe him 100%. We will never know the truth because he kept his mouth shut. And Benfica will defend their player. But there is not much we can do: this is... UEFA's job," AS quotes Courtois as saying.