'Right on the mark': Bayern boss praises Kompany speech on racism

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has lauded head coach Vincent Kompany for a 12-minute statement delivered on Friday that condemned racism in football, calling the Belgian’s words “intelligent, well thought out and right on the mark.”

Speaking to Sport1 on Friday night, Hainer said: “I have said it before in interviews: Vincent Kompany is not only a great guy on the pitch but also off it, he does us really good. I’ve described him as a lottery jackpot a few times now, and when you saw the statement he made today … it shook many people up, but also gave them a lot of courage.”

Kompany’s address came in response to an alleged racist remark directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during this week’s Champions League encounter at Benfica. Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni has denied the allegation.

The 39-year-old Bayern coach, who has Congolese heritage and has faced racist hostility throughout his own playing and coaching career, urged room for accountability rather than denial.

“If it is true that the Benfica player said it, I would wish there was room for an apology,” Kompany said. “Nobody in the world is perfect. But we deprive ourselves of that option. There is always only left and right, black and white.”

He defended Vinícius Júnior’s decision to approach the referee, arguing the Brazilian’s emotional reaction was authentic and carried no personal benefit beyond a sense of duty.

“When you see the incident, Vinícius Júnior’s reaction cannot be faked,” Kompany said. “He does it because he feels it is the right thing at that moment.”

Kompany also criticised Benfica coach José Mourinho for referencing club legend Eusébio to assert that the Portuguese side “could not be racist,” describing the Portuguese coach’s comments as “a glaring error in leadership.”

“I am not judging José Mourinho as a person,” Kompany added, “but he made a mistake. And I hope this will not happen in the future.”

Hainer’s endorsement underlines Bayern Munich’s backing of their coach’s outspoken stance, reinforcing the club’s public commitment to fighting discrimination across the sport.