UEFA has launched a thorough investigation into the Benfica vs. Real Madrid match, following accusations of discriminatory behavior during the match. The main focus of the investigation is an alleged racist insult directed at Real Madrid’s Brazilian player, Vinicius Júnior, by the Argentinian Gianluca Prestianni. The governing body of European football has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to thoroughly analyze the events that occurred. UEFA has confirmed that it is reviewing the official match report and will provide more details in due course. The match, corresponding to the first leg of the Champions League “play-off”, was stopped for a period of eight minutes due to the application of the anti-racism protocol. The referee took this measure after Vinicius reported Prestianni’s insults after celebrating the goal that gave Real Madrid the victory.
In addition to the racism complaint, UEFA will also investigate the throwing of objects from the stands, one of which hit Vinicius, and the expulsion of Benfica’s coach, José Mourinho. The coach was sanctioned for protesting and demanding a second yellow card for Vinicius. The incident led to the application of the protocol against racism, approved by UEFA in 2009. This protocol establishes a three-step procedure for referees to manage racist incidents within stadiums, which include stopping the game, requesting announcements over the public address system and, as a last resort, the definitive suspension of the match. The match referee, François Letexier, applied the protocol after Vinicius scored and celebrated his goal. The player reported a racist insult from Prestianni. The situation created tension on the field, with players from both teams involved. Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius’ teammate, denounced what happened.The official reports of the matches played last night are being reviewed at the moment. When facts are reported, proceedings are initiated and, in the event that these lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, these are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website.
UEFA Statement
Gianluca Prestianni denied having uttered racist insults and reported having received threats. For his part, Vinicius expressed his position on racism in football.What I have seen is very clear, number 25 has told Vini five times that you are a monkey. This type of attitude cannot be accepted.
Mbappé’s statements
Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put the shirt in their mouths to prove how weak they are.
Statements by Vinicius
