Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr accuses Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racist comment during match
Photo: Reuters
Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr alleged he was subjected to racist abuse by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
The Brazilian forward had just given Madrid a 1-0 lead when Prestianni approached him, pulled his shirt over his mouth and appeared to make a comment. Vinicius immediately reported the incident to referee Francois Letexier, who stopped play.
Letexier crossed his arms in front of his face to activate FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, temporarily suspending the match while discussions took place between players, coaches and officials.
Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho was seen attempting to console a visibly upset Vinicius during the stoppage. A member of Benfica’s coaching staff was shown a red card. Play eventually resumed, and Real Madrid held on for a 1-0 victory. Mourinho was later sent off for a separate incident. There was also a brief delay in stoppage time after objects were thrown from the crowd as Vinicius prepared to take a corner.
After the match, Vinicius wrote on Instagram, “Racists are, above all, cowards.
“They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.
“But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened here today was new in my life and my family's.”
Photo: Instagram
On Wednesday, Prestianni denied directing any racist abuse. In a statement on his official Instagram account, he said, “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Jr., who unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard. I have never been racist toward anyone.”
He added, “And I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”