Courtois: Homophobic Insult 'Just as Serious' as Racist Abuse Toward Vinicius Jr.

Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois declared racism and homophobia equally unacceptable and deserving of zero tolerance, following Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni's provisional suspension for allegedly directing discriminatory abuse at Vinicius Jr. during last week's Champions League clash.

“You may like a player more or less, but making those gestures is shameful...”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has condemned racism and homophobia as equally unacceptable after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was suspended for allegedly directing a racist slur at Vinicius Jr during a Champions League match. UEFA provisionally suspended Prestianni on Monday for one match, and Courtois emphasized that homophobic insults are just as serious as racist ones.

Courtois also criticized Benfica coach Jose Mourinho for suggesting that Vinicius' goal celebration provoked the incident, stating that Vinicius “didn't do anything wrong” and was celebrating like many opponents have done before. Additionally, Courtois expressed disappointment that some Benfica fans made monkey gestures during the match, calling it “deplorable” and “shameful.”

Gianluca Prestianni, the Benfica player accused of racially abusing Vinicius Jr., denied the allegations, claiming the Brazilian misinterpreted what he said. Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni revealed that Prestianni told him he didn't use a racist slur, but instead made a homophobic comment towards Vinicius.

UEFA has provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match, and an investigation is ongoing. Benfica has appealed the decision, maintaining Prestianni's innocence.

"It's just as serious because they are homophobic insults... ‌I've also seen the images from the Benfica stand during the match, and I ‌think it's deplorable to see that in a stadium,” Courtois told reporters on Tuesday, referring to fans making monkey gestures.

“You may like a player more or less, but making those gestures is shameful... I haven't seen if ‌they've said anything about going after their fans who made ⁠those monkey gestures.

“But with everything that has happened, ‌there are many things that haven't been done well. I think that racism, homophobia - all of these things - we simply cannot accept them, and the insult is equally serious.”

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, expressed disappointment with Benfica coach Jose Mourinho's comments, stating that Vinicius Jr.'s goal celebration shouldn't be used to justify the alleged racist abuse. “Mourinho is Mourinho, and as a coach, you'll always defend your club... but one thing disappointed me. Mourinho was using Vini's celebration as an excuse. You can NOT justify racism over a celebration.”

Courtois emphasized that Vinicius “didn't do anything wrong” and celebrated like many opponents have done before. He also highlighted that homophobic insults are just as serious as racist ones, following Prestianni's admission of using an anti-gay slur.

🗣️ @thibautcourtois 🗣️
📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 24, 2026

“Vini didn't do anything wrong. He celebrated the way many opponents have celebrated against us, too,” Courtois said.

"In the end, we need to move on and leave it at ⁠that. We can't justify an alleged act of racism with a celebration.”

UEFA's 10-Game Suspension Rule Applies to Prestianni's Case

UEFA rules state that any person or entity that insults the human dignity of a person on grounds including sexual orientation incurs a minimum suspension of 10 games. Gianluca Prestianni, the Benfica winger, has been provisionally suspended for one match after allegedly directing a racist slur at Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match. Prestianni admitted to using an anti-gay slur, which carries the same minimum 10-game suspension as racist abuse under UEFA regulations.

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in action with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior

Anti-Racism Protocols Activated During Match

The referee halted the game for 11 minutes after Vinicius complained about Prestianni's alleged racist comment. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois praised the anti-racism protocols, saying they are getting better. Courtois also condemned racism and homophobia as equally unacceptable, emphasizing that insults based on sexual orientation are just as serious as racist ones.

“In the end, the problem is that, in that moment, it was Vinicius who decided that we went back to playing. If Vini had said no, that he couldn't continue, then I think as a team we would have taken a stand there,” Courtois added.

“Then, obviously, the other things that happened in the stands, for me, are reasons to stop a match and throw those people out.

"If it happens right in front of someone who is two metres away - a Benfica stadium security guard - then that person has to act and call the authorities... I think we can keep improving, and I think as a ‌society we also need to stop being so foolish.”

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius Jr.'s “great bravery and character” amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged racist abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Arbeloa emphasized that Vinicius is a fighter who will prove himself on the pitch, especially in Wednesday's Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica.

🎙️ @AArbeloa17 🎙️
📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 24, 2026

Arbeloa also condemned the alleged racist act, stating that it has no place in sports or society. He highlighted Vinicius' resilience, saying he's shown incredible courage in continuing to play despite the incident.

“Anyone in his situation, I don't know how I would react. He has always responded with courage, showing a huge personality and a lot of character... He is a fighter,“ Arbeloa said.

“He's very well, eager and motivated for these kind of games... He is a game-changing player. He is ⁠a leader, and we need him to ⁠get back to have fun tomorrow ‌so he has a great match.”