UEFA mentioned on Wednesday it might “examine allegations of discriminatory behaviour” after Actual Madrid ahead Vinicius Junior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him throughout a Champions League match in Lisbon.
Tuesday’s first leg of the knockout section play-off tie was stopped for greater than 10 minutes after Vinicius complained to French referee Francois Letexier in regards to the alleged abuse following a confrontation between him and Prestianni.
That got here simply moments after Brazil worldwide Vinicius scored a elegant objective earlier than selecting up a yellow card after celebrating in entrance of the house crowd on the Estadio da Luz.
READ: Benfica’s Prestianni denies racially insulting Actual Madrid’s Vinicius in Champions League sport
After arguing with Prestianni, Vinicius ran over to the referee and instructed him that he had been known as “mono,” the Spanish phrase for monkey, by the Argentine midfielder.
The 20-year-old Prestianni, who lined his mouth along with his shirt as he appeared to say one thing to Vinicius, denies racially abusing the Actual Madrid star.
Actual’s England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold mentioned the incident had left a bitter style within the mouth.
“It’s disgusting. What’s occurred tonight is a shame for soccer. It’s ruined the evening for the crew,” he mentioned.
Actual ahead Kylian Mbappe known as on Prestianni to be banned.
“We can’t settle for there’s a participant taking part in in Europe’s finest competitors and behaving like this,” the France captain instructed reporters.
“This man doesn’t should play within the Champions League once more.”
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho hit out at Vinicius for inciting Benfica’s gamers and followers along with his celebration.
“While you rating a objective like that, you have a good time in a respectful manner,” mentioned the Portuguese.
Revealed on Feb 18, 2026