In an interview with L’Équipe, former France international Lilian Thuram delivered a strong response to comments made by José Mourinho regarding Vinicius Jr. Thuram firmly rejected any suggestion that the Real Madrid forward bears responsibility for the racist abuse he has endured.
“When Mourinho tries to make us believe that Vinicius is responsible for the racism he suffers, it’s pathetic,” he said. “But who are you, Mr. Mourinho, to presume to decide what Vinicius has the right to do or not? This judgment is steeped in white superiority and narcissism. The racist act Vinicius suffered is not related to his behavior, but to the color of his skin,” he added.
Thuram continued his remarks by condemning the notion that the player’s actions could justify racist abuse.
“That he brought it on himself, in short. It’s utter violence. (…) Mbappé heard it too, and is Mbappé crazy too? Are black people crazy, is that it?”
Samir Nasri also supported Thuram’s position in France. The former Sevilla and Manchester City midfielder criticized Mourinho for his comments about Vinicius.
“Mourinho ran laps around the pitch, once sliding on his knees for 20 meters and thought he was Thierry Henry while celebrating. You have no right to say that,”