This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool star, drew on his experience in a racism case to advise Benfica after Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid reported alleged racist insults from Gianluca Prestianni during the last Champions League match at Estádio da Luz. Commenting on the case, Carragher drew a parallel with the controversial incident in 2011 involving his then-teammate Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra of Manchester United. At that time, the Uruguayan was suspended for eight games after being found guilty of racial abuse against Evra. Liverpool publicly supported their player, with the team wearing supportive shirts, and an apology to Evra only came in 2020, through Carragher himself. Now, the former defender uses that experience to analyze Benfica's stance. "Most people in football look at this situation and Benfica and think they have completely erred," Carragher stated on CBS Sports. "Sometimes, when you are inside a football club, judgment gets clouded, and you support the player regardless of the situation, even in something as serious as racism. I have been in that position as a player; we had a similar situation where I believe the whole football world looked at us and thought we were completely wrong at Liverpool. An incident between Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra 10/15 years ago," he recounted. Carragher emphasized the importance of an investigation and the need for the Portuguese club to reconsider its initial position if the accusations are confirmed. "It took us a long time within the club to accept that we had gravely erred," he added, demanding an apology. "I hope there is an investigation to get to the bottom of the matter. I think most of us feel that what happened was really unfair to Vini. And if there is an investigation, I just hope that, over time, Benfica, Mourinho, and the people around the club can apologize if the accusation is correct, but also realize that some of the things they got involved in — like posting a tweet hours later questioning the validity of Vini Jr. and the Real Madrid players — were wrong," he stated, condemning those posts.
Benfica Jamie Carragher remains central to this story.
Benfica Jamie Carragher remains central to this story.
Read more in Premier League news. and related tags: Benfica, Jamie Carragher.