Real Madrid Star Vinicius Junior Alleges Racist Abuse by Gianluca Prestianni During Champions League Tie

A UEFA Champions League fixture between Real Madrid and Benfica was halted for almost 10 minutes after Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him.

The incident occurred in the 52nd minute shortly after Vinícius had curled a superb effort into the top corner to give Madrid a 1–0 lead. French referee Francois Letexier stopped the match, making the anti-racism signal with his arms following the Brazilian’s complaint.

Match Interrupted Amid Allegations

According to broadcast footage, Vinícius informed the referee that Prestianni had called him “monkey”. Cameras captured the Madrid forward pointing towards his opponent before approaching the official.

The confrontation followed Vinícius’ celebration near the corner flag, which prompted sections of the home support to throw bottles and other objects towards Madrid players. Prestianni was seen approaching Vinícius and speaking while covering his mouth with his shirt.

Vinícius, who has previously been subjected to racist abuse during his career in Spain, went to the dugout during the stoppage, while several Madrid players moved towards the touchline as discussions took place.

Madrid Considered Walking Off

Forward Kylian Mbappe and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni later confirmed the team considered leaving the field in protest before opting to continue.

Mbappé said he consulted Vinícius before the decision was made to resume play.

Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described the episode as “a disgrace to football”.

“It has overshadowed the performance, especially after such an incredible goal,” he said.
“Vini has experienced this several times in his career. There is no place for it in football or in society. It is disgusting.”

Midfielder Federico Valverde added that teammates supported Vinícius after players close to the incident indicated inappropriate language had been used.

“If you cover your mouth to say something, it is because you are saying something that should not be heard,” Valverde remarked.

Benfica Response and Mourinho’s Comments

Benfica players denied that any racist insult had been used. Midfielder Leandro Barreiro stated that Prestianni described the exchange as “normal provocation” during a competitive match.

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho said he had spoken to both players but declined to take sides. However, he criticised Vinícius’ manner of celebration.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate respectfully,” Mourinho said.
“Unfortunately, he was not just celebrating the goal.”

Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa was also seen speaking with Vinícius near the benches during the stoppage.

The referee indicated he had not personally heard the alleged comment and noted that Prestianni’s shirt had been covering his mouth. The Argentine was not cautioned and remained on the pitch until being substituted in the 81st minute, receiving applause from sections of the home crowd.

Match Resumes Amid Tension

The game resumed in the 60th minute, with Vinícius subjected to loud jeers for the remainder of the contest. In the closing stages, a bottle appeared to strike the Brazilian near the touchline, prompting the referee to request a stadium announcement warning supporters against throwing objects onto the field.

Mbappé was also jeered while defending his teammate during the confrontation, with television cameras appearing to show the French forward accusing Prestianni of racism.

After the match, Vinícius posted a photograph on Instagram of his celebration beside the Benfica corner flag, writing:

“Racists are cowards. They hide behind their shirts because they are weak. Nothing that happened today is new to me or to my family. I was shown a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still do not know why.”

Mbappé called for strong action from the authorities.

“We cannot accept that a player competing at this level behaves like that,” he said.
“Let us see what happens now.”

UEFA has yet to confirm whether disciplinary proceedings will follow.