Thibaut Courtois has spoken out after Gianluca Prestianni was provisionally suspended for allegedly racially abusing Vinicius Jr
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Gianluca Prestianni (right) has been provisionally suspendedopen image in gallery
Gianluca Prestianni (right) has been provisionally suspended (AFP/Getty)
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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has issued a powerful condemnation of both racism and homophobia, asserting that both forms of discrimination are equally unacceptable within football.
His remarks follow an incident during a Champions League match last week, where Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA for allegedly directing a racist slur at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
UEFA's one-match provisional suspension for Prestianni came after the Argentine player was accused of insulting Vinicius during Real's 1-0 playoff first-leg victory in Lisbon.
While Prestianni denied the accusation of racism, claiming the Brazilian misheard him, Real's Aurelien Tchouameni stated that Prestianni admitted to him he did not call Vinicius a "monkey" but instead directed a homophobic comment towards him.
Aurelien Tchouameni said Prestianni told him he actually directed a homophobic comment at Vinicius Jropen image in gallery
Aurelien Tchouameni said Prestianni told him he actually directed a homophobic comment at Vinicius Jr (AP)
Speaking on Tuesday, Courtois emphasised the gravity of such remarks. "It's just as serious because they are homophobic insults," he told reporters.
The Belgian international also expressed dismay at the behaviour of some fans, adding: "I've also seen the images from the Benfica stand during the match and I think it's deplorable to see that in a stadium."
He specifically referenced supporters making monkey gestures, stating: "You may like a player more or less, but making those gestures is shameful... I haven't seen if they've said anything about going after their fans who made those monkey gestures."
Courtois concluded his point by stressing: "But with everything that has happened, there are many things that haven't been done well. I think that racism, homophobia - all of these things - we simply cannot accept them and the insult is equally serious."
Courtois also criticised Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who suggested Vinicius's goal celebration might have provoked the fans.
"Vini didn't do anything wrong. He celebrated the way many opponents have celebrated against us too," Courtois countered.
"In the end we need to move on and leave it at that. We can't justify an alleged act of racism with a celebration."
The incident saw the referee halt the game for 11 minutes after Vinicius complained, and Courtois acknowledged that anti-racism protocols are showing signs of improvement.
UEFA rules stipulate a minimum 10-game suspension for "any person or entity that insults the human dignity of a person" on grounds including sexual orientation.
Courtois has condemned homophobic and racist abuseopen image in gallery
Courtois has condemned homophobic and racist abuse (REUTERS)
However, Courtois highlighted the need for more decisive action. "In the end, the problem is that, in that moment, it was Vinicius who decided that we went back to playing.
“If Vini had said no, that he couldn't continue, then I think as a team we would have taken a stand there," he explained.
He further called for stronger intervention against discriminatory fan behaviour.
"Then, obviously, the other things that happened in the stands, for me, are reasons to stop a match and throw those people out," Courtois asserted.
"If it happens right in front of someone who is two metres away - a Benfica stadium security guard - then that person has to act and call the authorities... I think we can keep improving and I think as a society we also need to stop being so foolish."
Ahead of the second leg against Benfica in Madrid on Wednesday, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius's resilience.
"Anyone in his situation, I don't know how I would react. He has always responded with courage, showing a huge personality and a lot of character... He is a fighter," Arbeloa said.
He added that Vinicius was "very well, eager and motivated for these kind of games... he is a game-changing player. He is a leader and we need him to get back to have fun tomorrow so he has a great match."