UEFA opens investigation into alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior
UEFA has launched a formal investigation into alleged racial abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during their Champions League knockout playoff clash against Benfica in Lisbon. The match at Estadio da Luz was halted early in the second half after the Brazilian, who had just scored the only goal in Madrid’s 1–0 win, complained to referee François Letexier that he had been racially insulted by Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni. In a statement, the European football governing body said a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed “to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour” during the February 17 tie, adding that further information will be released in due course. Under UEFA’s disciplinary code, Prestianni could face a suspension of up to 10 matches if found guilty of racial abuse. Television images showed an animated Vinicius remonstrating with the referee […]