Real Madrid Sends Evidence to UEFA for Racist Insults to Vinícius Jr.

Real Madrid has sent UEFA “all available evidence” regarding the alleged racist insult against Vinícius Júnior during the Champions League match against Benfica. The merengue club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism suffered during the match, according to a statement issued on Thursday. UEFA appointed a special investigator on Wednesday to gather evidence about what happened in Lisbon, in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage. Vinícius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him “monkey” after the Brazilian scored the only goal of the match. Prestianni was one of the Benfica players who were upset with Vinícius after the striker’s celebration near the corner flag. Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt when he supposedly spoke with the Brazilian player and denied having racially insulted Vinícius, who has been the target of repeated racist insults in Spain.

Real Madrid thanks for the unanimous support, backing and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the world football community.

Real Madrid Statement

The white club will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and society.

The match was interrupted in accordance with UEFA regulations after Vinícius claimed to have been subjected to abuse after celebrating a goal for Real Madrid, which led to a 10-minute game stoppage, and Vinícius completed the match. After the match, Vinícius posted in Portuguese on his Instagram story: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirt in their mouths to show how weak they are.” Also commented: “But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and in my family.” “I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that was useless.” Benfica stated that Prestianni was the victim of a “smear campaign” and welcomed the investigation opened by UEFA on Wednesday, stating that it “fully supports and believes in the version presented” by Prestianni. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he was “shocked and saddened to see the alleged racism incident” and praised the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol during the match, which was interrupted for almost 10 minutes at the Estadio da Luz.