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UEFA investigating alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior
UEFA appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate after Vinícius Jr. accused Prestianni of racial abuse during the Champions League match, which was paused for 11 minutes.
- On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni of a racial slur during the Champions League first-leg at Estádio da Luz, and UEFA opened a disciplinary investigation.
- After scoring in the 50th minute, Vinícius Júnior celebrated in front of Benfica supporters, prompting Prestianni to approach and cover his mouth while speaking to him, leading referee François Letexier to halt the match under FIFA/UEFA anti-racism protocol.
- Real Madrid said it provided all evidence to UEFA and backed Vinícius, with Arbeloa stating `Things like that can't happen on a pitch in 2026.`
- Under UEFA regulations, a guilty player faces at least a 10-match suspension; Madrid will host the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on Feb. 25, with the winner advancing to the round of 16.
- Vinícius's repeated complaints — 18 legal filings since 2022 — show a pattern of abuse; in June 2024, three Valencia supporters were jailed for eight months, setting a precedent in Spain.
176 Articles
176 Articles
Kate Scott says racists ‘don’t belong’ in football after Vinícius Júnior abuse
A Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid had to be called to an end shortly after the second half following yet another incident of racist abuse against Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. The abuse is alleged to have come from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni who was seen covering his mouth to deliver the offending racist remarks. Denials after the game from Benfica’s coach Jose Mourinho compounded the harm caused by the racism on clear…
Associated Press News
Real Madrid sends UEFA 'available evidence' of alleged racist insult against Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid has sent UEFA “all available evidence” of the alleged racist insult against Vinícius Júnior in the Champions League match against Benfica on Tuesday.
The incident between Vinicius and the Benfica player, Gianluca Prestianni continues to take place and UEFA has already taken action on the matter. The organisation governing European football began yesterday an investigation into the alleged racist insult that Real Madrid striker denounced during the departure of the "playoffs" of the Champions League between SL Benfica and the Merengue team, disputed last Tuesday."An Inspector of Ethics and Dis…
UEFA, the top football supervisor in Europe, announced that it appointed an Ethics and Discipline inspector from its own agency to investigate allegations of alleged discriminatory behavior during the Champions League match...
UEFA releases statement amid racial abuse allegations involving Vinícius, Prestianni
UEFA has issued an official statement today in response to the racial abuse incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The European football governing body announced it is launching a formal investigation into claims that Vinicius was racially abused during the Champions League playoff Round of 16 playoffs first leg tie against Benfica. In their statement, UEFA said they have brought in an “Ethics and Dis…
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