Kingsley Ohens reporting
The head coach of Chelsea F.C., Liam Rosenior, has issued a forceful condemnation of racism in football, declaring that anyone proven guilty of discriminatory conduct should face permanent removal from the sport.
His remarks follow allegations of racial abuse during this week’s UEFA Champions League fixture between Real Madrid CF and S.L. Benfica in Lisbon. European football’s governing body, UEFA, has confirmed it has launched a formal investigation into claims that Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was subjected to racist remarks by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during the Spanish side’s 1–0 victory on Tuesday night.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rosenior stopped short of addressing the specific incident while proceedings remain ongoing. However, he made his broader position unmistakably clear.
“If any player, coach or manager is found guilty of racism, they should not remain in the game,” Rosenior said. “There is no grey area.”
The Chelsea manager described racism as fundamentally incompatible with both football and society at large, adding that emotional reactions from players often reflect deeper hurt. “When you see someone visibly distressed, there is usually a serious reason behind it,” he noted.
The situation intensified after Benfica head coach José Mourinho suggested that Vinícius may have provoked sections of the crowd with his goal celebration. Rosenior rejected that framing, expressing solidarity with the Brazilian international and sharing his own lived experience.
“I have experienced racial abuse myself,” he revealed. “To be criticised or targeted for something that defines who you are is one of the most painful experiences imaginable.”
Benfica have strongly denied wrongdoing, characterising the allegations as an attempt to damage the reputation of their young player. The Portuguese club released video footage on social media which they claim challenges the plausibility of the accusation, citing the physical distance between the players involved.
Rosenior stressed that football cannot isolate itself from the social realities that shape it. In his view, stronger consequences and institutional resolve are essential to confronting the issue.
“Racism in football mirrors divisions in society,” he said. “People are too often judged by their background, faith, nationality or skin colour. The only fair measure is character.”
UEFA’s findings are expected in due course, but the incident has once again reignited debate over accountability, player protection and the responsibility of clubs and governing bodies to ensure zero tolerance toward discrimination at every level of the game.
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