Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Mourinho Condemns Bullying of Vinicius After Espanyol Victory
Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in a league match.
José Mourinho said Vinicius Jr was treated too roughly by players and fans.
He said this kind of treatment happens to Vinicius again and again.
Early in the game, Alex Calatrava brought Vinicius down from behind.
Real Madrid wanted Calatrava sent off, but the referee did not do that.
Jude Bellingham scored first for Real Madrid, and Calatrava later equalised.
Carlo Espi scored in the 90th minute to win the game for Real Madrid.
Mourinho also told Vinicius to stay calm and be careful when celebrating goals.
José Mourinho accused Espanyol players and supporters of repeatedly bullying Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win.
Alex Calatrava brought down Vinicius early on, but the referee did not issue a red card after appeals from Real Madrid players.
Jude Bellingham put Real Madrid ahead before Calatrava equalised, and Carlo Espi scored the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Mourinho said Vinicius must maintain emotional control and be cautious about how he celebrates goals.
The dispute recalled Mourinho’s previous defence of Gianluca Prestianni, who received a six-match UEFA suspension for discriminatory conduct toward Vinicius.
- Who
- José Mourinho, Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, Espanyol, and Alex Calatrava were central to the incident.
- What
- Mourinho accused opponents and supporters of bullying Vinicius during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
- When
- The match took place on Saturday; Carlo Espi scored the winning goal in the 90th minute.
- Where
- The match was played at Espanyol.
- Why
- Mourinho said Vinicius was repeatedly targeted by opponents and the crowd, and urged him to control his emotions.
Mourinho’s criticism
Countervailing considerations
Treatment of Vinicius
Mourinho’s criticism
Mourinho said opponents and supporters repeatedly bully Vinicius and that the treatment during the match was excessive.
Countervailing considerations
The article states that Vinicius is “no saint,” while the referee did not consider Calatrava’s challenge worthy of a red card.
Managing provocation
Mourinho’s criticism
Mourinho said Vinicius should be educated and supported while maintaining emotional control under pressure.
Countervailing considerations
Mourinho also warned Vinicius to be careful about how he celebrates goals because celebrations can contribute to tensions.
Earlier discriminatory-abuse dispute
Mourinho’s criticism
The previous incident was treated by UEFA as discriminatory conduct, resulting in a six-match suspension for Gianluca Prestianni.
Countervailing considerations
Mourinho was previously criticised for defending Prestianni and saying Vinicius had incited the crowd with his celebrations.
- Match result
- Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-1.
- Early incident
- Alex Calatrava brought Vinicius down from behind within the opening five minutes.
- Refereeing decision
- The referee took no action after Real Madrid players appealed for a red card.
- Goalscorers
- Jude Bellingham and Carlo Espi scored for Real Madrid; Alex Calatrava scored for Espanyol.
- Winning goal
- Carlo Espi scored in the 90th minute.
- Mourinho’s advice
- Mourinho said Vinicius should show emotional control and be careful with goal celebrations.
- Earlier UEFA case
- Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct deemed homophobic.