Benfica manager José Mourinho has addressed racism allegations against his player Gianluca Prestiani, warning that the player's club career would end if the accusations prove true.
According to a BBC report on Sunday, Mourinho told local media: "If it is proven that Prestiani made racist remarks toward Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), his Benfica career will be over."
Prestiani is accused of making racist remarks to Vinícius during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff against Real Madrid on February 17.
The incident occurred after Vinícius scored with a spectacular right-footed shot in the 50th minute. Vinícius ran to the corner flag and performed a provocative hip-shaking celebration, receiving a yellow card from the referee.
A confrontation then erupted between Vinícius and Prestiani, and the match was halted for 11 minutes amid the racism allegations.
After the match, Real Madrid players supported Vinícius's claims, testifying that Prestiani had cunningly made racist remarks while covering his mouth with his uniform.
Prestiani has consistently denied the allegations since the controversy emerged. However, he missed the second leg away match due to UEFA's provisional sanctions. Further disciplinary action remains possible pending the final investigation by UEFA's disciplinary committee.
"I am totally against any type of discrimination, prejudice and ignorance," Mourinho said. "If my player did not respect this principle that I and Benfica uphold, his career under manager José Mourinho or at Benfica will come to an end."
He added: "Isn't the presumption of innocence a human right? My position remains unchanged. If his guilt is proven, I will not look at him with the same eyes as before. For me, that would be the end."