Match halted 10 minutes under anti-racism protocol
Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was paused for 10 minutes after Vinícius Júnior claimed he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
The incident happened shortly after Vinícius gave Real Madrid the lead with a stunning goal in the 50th minute. He celebrated in front of the Benfica fans and received a yellow card. Prestianni then approached him, pulled his shirt over his mouth and appeared to say something. Vinícius immediately ran to referee François Letexier to complain.
The referee crossed his arms over his face, activating FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and stopping the game. Vinícius seemed ready to walk off, with Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa later confirming the team would have supported him.
After discussions involving players, coaches and officials, the match resumed and Real Madrid held on for a 1-0 victory. Late in stoppage time, objects were thrown at Vinícius as he prepared to take a corner, causing another short delay.
Vinícius Júnior’s statement
Posting in Portuguese on Instagram after the game, Vinícius wrote:
“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened here today was new in my life and my family’s.
I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
I don’t like appearing in situations like this, even more so after a great victory and when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Mbappé and Arbeloa back Vinícius
Kylian Mbappé was unequivocal in his support: “Prestianni called Vinícius a monkey five times, I saw it. I cannot let things like this go. He’s a young player, how can you say things like that on a football pitch? We were going to go, that was the team’s decision. This type of person is no colleague, he shouldn’t play the Champions League again.”
Álvaro Arbeloa added: “You have to ask the Benfica player what he said. We all deserve a response to that question. We have to be totally intolerant of racism; we cannot allow things like this to happen on the pitch in 2026. I have no reason not to believe Vinícius. Whatever he decided, we would have been at his side.”
Prestianni and Mourinho respond
Prestianni denied the accusation on Instagram: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
Benfica coach José Mourinho tried to remain balanced: “I spoke to Álvaro before I understood what the problem was… I want to try to be more balanced than Arbeloa and Mbappé. I do not want to say that Vinícius is a liar and nor do I want to say that my player is an incredible boy.”
Benfica later posted footage of the incident on X, claiming the distance made it impossible for Real Madrid players to have heard what was alleged.
UEFA told Sky Sports News that the reports “are currently being reviewed” and they have no further comment at this time.
The match result gives Real Madrid a strong advantage heading into the second leg, but the racism allegations dominated post-match discussions and once again put the spotlight on anti-racism measures in European football.
