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UEFA Launches Investigation into Alleged Racial Abuse in Champions League Match
UEFA has appointed a special investigator to examine allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday’s Champions League match against Benfica in Lisbon.
The incident, which halted play for nearly 10 minutes, occurred after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni allegedly made racist remarks toward Vinícius while covering his mouth with his jersey. The Brazilian star informed French referee François Letexier that Prestianni had called him a “monkey,” prompting the official to activate UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Prestianni, a 20-year-old Argentine forward, has vehemently denied the accusations. “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at the player Vinícius Júnior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thought he had heard,” Prestianni wrote on social media platform X. “I have never been racist with anyone and I regret the threats that I received from Real Madrid players.”
If found guilty under UEFA’s disciplinary code, Prestianni could face a substantial 10-match ban. The severity of the potential punishment underscores European football’s increasingly strict stance against racial discrimination.
Benfica has firmly backed its player, releasing a statement welcoming UEFA’s investigation while expressing full support for Prestianni. The Portuguese club claimed Madrid players who said they heard the insult were positioned too far away to have accurately heard any exchange, posting video footage on social media to support this assertion.
“As the images show, given the distance, the Real Madrid players couldn’t have heard what they have been saying that they heard,” Benfica stated. The club also described the situation as a “defamation campaign” against their player.
The confrontation reportedly began after Vinícius celebrated his 50th-minute goal by dancing near the corner flag, which angered some Benfica supporters who responded by throwing bottles and objects toward Madrid players. Prestianni then approached Vinícius and said something while covering his mouth.
Following the match, which Madrid won 1-0, Vinícius expressed his frustration on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how they are weak… I was shown a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t know why.”
Madrid players considered walking off the pitch in protest but ultimately decided to continue. The incident adds to a troubling pattern for Vinícius, who has repeatedly been subjected to racist abuse during his time playing in Spain.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the situation, saying he was “shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism” and praised the referee for implementing the anti-racism protocol. “There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society,” Infantino stated. “We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.”
Support for Vinícius came from teammates, including Kylian Mbappé, who posted on social media: “Dance, Vini, and please never stop. They will never tell us what we have to do or not.” The French star went further, suggesting Prestianni should be banned from future Champions League competitions.
Meanwhile, Benfica manager José Mourinho drew criticism for his post-match comments when he focused on Vinícius’s celebration rather than directly addressing the racism allegations. Mourinho mentioned that Eusébio, Benfica’s greatest player, was also Black, but appeared to question why Vinícius is frequently targeted.
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out condemned Mourinho’s remarks: “When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported. Focusing on Vinícius Jr.’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.”
The second leg of this Champions League playoff will take place in Madrid on February 25, with the winner advancing to the round of 16. As UEFA’s investigation unfolds, this incident highlights football’s ongoing struggle to eliminate racism from the game despite heightened awareness and stronger protocols.
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14 Comments
Racism has no place in football or any sport. I hope the investigation can uncover the facts and deliver a fair and just outcome, regardless of the parties involved.
The potential 10-match ban reflects the gravity of the situation. European football must continue to take a strong stance against any form of discrimination or abuse.
This is a concerning incident that requires a thorough and impartial investigation. I hope the truth can be determined, and any proven misconduct is dealt with accordingly.
Maintaining the integrity of the game should be the top priority. Regardless of the outcome, the focus should be on promoting inclusivity and respect in football.
This is a complex issue with conflicting accounts. I look forward to the findings of the investigation and hope that any proven misconduct is dealt with appropriately.
The severity of the potential punishment underscores the seriousness with which UEFA is treating this matter. Maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on racism is essential.
This is a serious situation that requires a thorough and impartial investigation. Racism has no place in the sport, and allegations of such behavior must be addressed properly.
It’s good to see UEFA taking this matter seriously and appointing an investigator. The outcome should be based on facts, not rumors or assumptions.
I’m curious to see what the investigation uncovers. Prestianni’s denial is notable, but the testimony of the players and officials involved will be crucial in determining what actually occurred.
Hopefully, the investigation can shed light on the incident and provide clarity for all parties. Maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount.
Racial abuse is unacceptable, and the potential 10-match ban for the accused player reflects the gravity of the situation. I hope the investigation is conducted thoroughly and transparently.
It’s concerning to hear about the threats Prestianni has received. Violence and retaliation should never be the answer, even in the face of alleged racism.
It’s good to see that UEFA is taking this incident seriously and launching a thorough investigation. Allegations of racism must be addressed swiftly and with utmost care.
The investigator will need to carefully weigh the evidence and testimonies from all parties involved. A fair and impartial process is crucial in resolving this case.