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 and pointing towards Prestianni, prompting Letexier to briefly stop play and trigger anti racism protocols before the game resumed. Benfica later shared footage on social media and issued a statement insisting that “given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard,” while Prestianni denied using a racist slur and said the Madrid forward had misunderstood him.
The incident has provoked widespread condemnation from across the football world. Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, on loan at Real Madrid this season, blasted the alleged abuse as “disgusting” and said it was unacceptable that Vinicius “keeps going through this” despite repeated campaigns against racism. Other players have urged UEFA to impose strong sanctions to send a clear message that racist behaviour will not be tolerated in European competitions.
This is not the first time Vinicius, 25, has reported racist treatment during his career, particularly in league games in Spain, where several investigations and stadium bans have followed previous incidents. Rights groups and anti racism advocates say the latest controversy underlines the need for tougher and more consistent punishments against offenders, both individuals and clubs, to better protect Black players on and off the pitch.
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