When the Corner Flag Becomes the Stage: Nasri Reignites Mourinho’s Mirror to Henry After Vinícius Controversy

Overview

Portuguese Benfica coach Jose Mourinho faced fresh criticisms after the Vinícius Junior incident, this time from Frenchman Samir Nasri, a former Arsenal and Manchester City star.

Vinícius Junior said he was subjected to racist abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani during the first leg of the Champions League playoff at the Luz, as Real Madrid clinched a 1-0 victory away.

What happened on the pitch

Real Madrid took the win at Benfica’s home ground, Estádio da Luz, thanks to a goal from Vinícius Junior, and tensions flared after the goal.

The drama began when Vinícius celebrated near the corner flag with a dance that Benfica fans found provocative, provoking a response from several Benfica players.

Referee Francois Letexier issued a yellow card to Vinícius for provocation, while multiple Benfica players confronted the Brazilian.

It is alleged that Gianluca Prestiani directed racist language at Vinícius, prompting the Brazilian to report the incident to the referee under the racism protocol, which briefly halted play.

Aftermath and reactions

Post-match, Mourinho sparked debate by suggesting that talented players should celebrate goals with decorum rather than theatrics.

“These players are capable of wonderful things, but when you score a goal like that, you should celebrate in a proper way,” he said.

Nasri later criticized the “Special One” on Foot Mercato, arguing Vinícius has faced abuse for the entire ninety minutes and that Mourinho’s remarks were out of place.

Nasri added: “When Mourinho advanced with Inter Milan against Barcelona, there was a celebratory lap; in a match against Manchester United, he slid on his knees for twenty meters, thinking he was Thierry Henry—you have no right to say that.”

Punchline 1: If football were a sniper show, the target would be attention—and tonight Benfica’s crowd got a full mag of it.

Punchline 2: Mourinho’s post-match takes are so sharp they could cut through a substitute’s kit—grab a whistle, the drama’s not done yet.