Real Madrid on Thursday confirmed it has submitted “all available evidence” to UEFA to support Vinicius Junior’s complaint of alleged racist abuse during this week’s Champions League clash against Benfica.
The first-leg knockout phase play-off match on Tuesday in Lisbon was halted for about 10 minutes after Vinicius informed the referee that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni had called him a “monkey” during a heated confrontation.
Prestianni, who covered his mouth while speaking during the incident after Vinicius celebrated a goal with a dance in front of home supporters, has denied the allegation.
UEFA announced on Wednesday that it would open an investigation into what it described as “allegations of discriminatory behaviour,” as the controversy intensified. Several teammates publicly voiced support for Vinicius, who has faced multiple racist incidents since joining Real Madrid in 2018.
In a statement, Real Madrid said it had forwarded all relevant materials from the match, which it described as involving “unacceptable episodes of racism,” and expressed appreciation for what it called the global football community’s unified backing for the Brazilian forward.
Benfica, meanwhile, released a statement defending Prestianni and claiming he is the target of a “defamation campaign,” while the club’s manager, Jose Mourinho, questioned Vinicius’s goal celebration.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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