Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has strongly criticised Jose Mourinho over his handling of racism allegations involving Vinicius Junior, describing the Benfica coach’s response as “a huge mistake” in leadership.

The controversy stems from Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg between Real Madrid and Benfica, which the Spanish side won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Vinicius.

Television footage appeared to show Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt — a common tactic used to prevent lip-reading — while making a remark that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur. Benfica have defended their player, while UEFA has launched an investigation into alleged discriminatory behaviour.

Mourinho suggested Vinicius had provoked the crowd with his goal celebration and argued that Benfica could not be racist because the club’s greatest player, Eusebio, was Black.

Kompany, speaking at length in support of Vinicius, said Mourinho’s comments were misguided.

“Jose Mourinho basically attacks the character of Vinicius Jr by bringing in the type of celebration to discredit what Vinicius is doing. For me, in terms of leadership, it’s a huge mistake. It’s something we should not accept,” Kompany said.

“On top of it, he mentions the name of Eusebio — to say that Benfica cannot be racist because the best player in the history of Benfica is Eusebio. You know what Black players had to go through in the 1960s? Was he there to travel with Eusebio to every away game?

“My dad is a Black person from the 1960s also who made his way. Probably at the time the only option they had was to be quiet, to say nothing, to be above it and to be 10 times better to get a little bit of credit.”

Kompany also referenced racist incidents he experienced during his own playing career, including while serving as captain of Belgium.

While stressing that he believes Mourinho is fundamentally “a good person”, Kompany said the Portuguese coach had erred in this instance.

“I’ve met a hundred people who worked with him and don’t have anything bad to say about him,” Kompany added. “So I don’t need to judge him as a person. But I know what I’ve heard and I understand maybe what he’s done — he’s made a mistake, and it’s something that hopefully in the future won’t happen like this again.”