Liam Rosenior say 'anyone found guilty of racism should not be in the game'
BBC World
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has made a strong statement regarding racism in football, calling for anyone found guilty of such behavior to be banned from the sport entirely. His comments come amid an ongoing investigation by Uefa into allegations of racial abuse against Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Rosenior emphasized that racism has no place in football or society, sharing his personal experience of being racially abused and highlighting the emotional toll it takes on individuals.
The incident occurred during Real Madrid's 1-0 win against Benfica, where Vinicius Jr. was allegedly targeted by Prestianni. While Prestianni denies the claims, Uefa is investigating, and if found guilty, he could face a suspension of at least 10 matches in European competitions. Rosenior declined to comment directly on Mourinho's accusation that Vinicius Jr. incited the crowd through his celebration but defended the player, stating that being judged for something one should be proud of is deeply hurtful.
Rosenior acknowledged the broader societal issues surrounding racism, noting that football is just a reflection of larger societal problems. He stressed the need for greater accountability across media and society to ensure equality and fair judgment based on character rather than race, religion, or other factors. His remarks align with a growing consensus among football managers, including West Ham's Nuno Espirito Santo, who also condemned racism and called for its eradication.
Rosenior's statement resonates with readers interested in global social issues, particularly the fight against discrimination. His call for stricter consequences for racist behavior underscores the importance of addressing these problems not just on the field but in society as a whole.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026