Anyone found guilty of racism shouldn’t be in football – Rosenior

Chelsea F.C. head coach Liam Rosenior has stated that any player, coach, or manager found guilty of racist behaviour in football “shouldn’t be in the game,” amid ongoing allegations during this week’s Champions League fixtures

UEFA has launched an investigation into claims that Real Madrid CF’s Vinícius Júnior was racially abused by S.L. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during Madrid’s 1-0 win in Lisbon on Tuesday.

Speaking on Thursday, Rosenior said he could not comment on the investigation directly but made his position on racism in football clear.

“If any player, any coach, or any manager is found guilty of racism, they shouldn’t be in the game. It’s as simple as that. It’s upsetting. Any form of racism in society, not just football, is unacceptable. When you see a player as upset as Vinícius was, normally they’re upset for a reason,” he said.

Rosenior also defended Vinícius against claims from Benfica manager José Mourinho, who suggested the winger’s goal celebration had incited the crowd. “I have been racially abused myself,” Rosenior said. “When you are judged for something you should be proud of, it is the worst feeling you can ever imagine.”

Benfica, meanwhile, have defended Prestianni, describing the allegations as a “defamation campaign” and sharing footage on social media, arguing the distance involved made it unlikely that Real Madrid players could have heard the alleged abuse.

Rosenior highlighted that racism in football mirrors wider societal issues and stressed the need for accountability. “There needs to be more accountability. There’s a lot of division, and people are prejudged based on their background, religion, nationality, or the colour of their skin. Everybody should be judged equally based on the content of their character.”