Alleged racist abuse overshadows Real Madrid win at Benfica

Alleged racist abuse marred Real Madrid’s 1-0 first-leg win at Benfica as Vinícius Júnior and his teammates appeared ready to walk off and the game was delayed for 10 minutes. The Brazilian had celebrated a sensational strike by dancing in the corner of the Estádio da Luz and, in the confrontations that followed, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni said something to him while covering his mouth.

Vinícius immediately ran to the referee, François Letexier, who stopped the match and crossed his arms to signal that he was activating the anti-racism protocol. TV footage suggested the word reported was “mono” (monkey). Arbeloa said: “You have to ask the Benfica player what he said … I have no reason not to believe what Vinícius says.” Vinícius later posted that racists are “cowards who have to cover their mouths”, while Kylian Mbappé said that Prestianni had used the word five times.

José Mourinho said: “I spoke to Vinícius and he said one thing and Prestianni said another,” although he also questioned why Vinícius celebrated as he had.

real madrid, benfica, vinícius júnior, gianluca prestianni, françois letexier, anti-racism, estádio, monkey, kylian mbappé, josé mourinho