Infantino 'shocked and saddened' by alleged racial abuse against Vinicius

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was 'shocked and saddened' by allegations of racism levelled at Vinicius Junior by Gianluca Prestianni. The Champions League tie between Real Madrid and Benfica was halted for ten minutes after referee Francois Letexier activated the anti-racism protocol; the match resumed and Vinicius's strike proved the only goal in a 1-0 win for Los Blancos.

Infantino said there is no room for racism in sport or society and urged all relevant stakeholders to act and hold those responsible to account. He referenced FIFA initiatives such as the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players’ Voice Panel and commended Letexier for using the arm gesture to stop the game, adding 'No to racism!

No to any form of discrimination!' Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg's on-air remarks during the delay drew criticism; he suggested Vinicius had made the situation difficult for the referee and later apologised on social media, saying 'Nothing justifies racism in sport or in life.

gianni infantino, vinicius junior, gianluca prestianni, racism, champions league, real madrid, benfica, anti-racism, francois letexier, mark clattenburg