The head coach of "Benfica," Jose Mourinho, has decided to refrain from communicating with journalists both before and after the return match of the Champions League against "Real Madrid." The Portuguese coach took advantage of UEFA rules that allow a suspended coach to be replaced at a press conference by an assistant. Mourinho will not be able to attend the game at the "Santiago Bernabeu" stadium due to a red card received in the first match when he emotionally protested against the decisions of referee Francois Letexier. This suspension also prohibits him from being in the technical area and interacting with the team during the game.
The situation surrounding the match escalated after a racist incident in Lisbon. "Real Madrid" forward Vinicius Junior accused "Benfica" midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of insults. As a result, UEFA decided to temporarily suspend the Argentine for one game and launched an investigation. Mourinho also faced criticism for his comments that Vinicius's goal celebration could provoke a negative reaction from the stands. The organization Kick It Out condemned his statements, while former England defender Rio Ferdinand came to the Portuguese's defense. Before the return match in Madrid, "Benfica" trails 0:1 on aggregate.
