Liam Rosenior says ‘Anyone guilty of racism should not be in the game’

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused Vinicius of inciting the fans by celebrating a goal during Real’s 1-0 win in Lisbon.

While Rosenior was not prepared to respond directly to Mourinho’s comments, he did defend Vinicius’ actions.

“I was racially abused. What people need to understand is that when you’re judged for something you should be proud of, it’s the worst feeling you can ever imagine,” Rosenior said.

Benfica defended Pristiani on social media on Wednesday, claiming there was a “smear campaign” against the Argentine.

The Portuguese team posted a video of the alleged incident on its X account, saying: “Given the distance, there was no way the Real Madrid players could have heard what they claim to have heard.”

In response to a question about what needs to change, not only in football but in society, to deal with racism, Rosenior said: “A lot of things, this is a very complex situation when you talk about race or gender. There are a lot of things that need to change in society.”

“I’m disgusted, to be honest. I think there’s a broader debate than football. I think there needs to be more accountability for these things that need to be stamped out.

“There’s a lot of division. There’s a lot of people in the media who prejudge people or how they act or who they are based on their sexual orientation, the country they’re from, their religion, or the color of their skin.

“I think it’s a broader discussion than just football. I think people should have a much greater responsibility than they do at the moment, in terms of social media, in terms of journalism, to make sure these things are stamped out because everyone should be judged equally on the content of their character.”

West Ham coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who coached and played for Benfica’s rival Porto, said racism must be “eliminated all over the world.”

Nuno said: “I condemn it. There is no place in football or society, and for me, it is final. I condemn it completely.”