Real's Vinicius Slams 'Cowards' After Racism Row Interrupts Benfica Champions League Clash
Vinicius Jr scored the only goal and accused Benfica fans of racist abuse, calling racists 'cowards' amid a 10-minute match delay under UEFA protocols.
- During the first leg, objects were thrown onto the pitch and the crowd jeered after a 10-minute delay in Lisbon, overshadowing the match-winning goal.
- Following the on-field clash, Vinicius accused Benfica winger Prestianni of a racial slur, prompting UEFA anti-racism protocols despite inconclusive video evidence.
- Real Madrid teammates including Federico Valverde backed Vinicius Jr, while Mourinho denied the accusations and urged caution without proof.
- The episode exacted an emotional toll on both sets of players and on proceedings, with Vinicius criticizing the UEFA anti-racism protocol, calling it `just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose`.
- Commentators warned current protocols struggle to verify verbal abuse, while Vinicius Jr wrote `Racists are, above all, cowards.` in a blistering post.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Vinicius hits out at Benfica 'cowards'
Match-winner Vinicius Junior hit out at "cowards" after accusing Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during Real Madrid's 1-0 Champions League play-off first leg victory in Lisbon on Tuesday. The game was stopped for more than 10 minutes due to a racism protocol after Vinicius complained to French referee Francois Letexier about the alleged abuse following a confrontation between him and Prestianni. That came just moments after…
´Nothing that happened is new´ – Vinicius addresses Benfica racism allegation
Vinicius Junior has taken to social media to address his allegation that he was racially abused by a Benfica player during Real Madrid’s Champions League win in Lisbon, saying such incidents have become all too familiar. Vinicius scored a brilliant winning goal as Madrid left the Estadio ...
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior was at the forefront of Tuesday's Champions League match, scoring the only goal in Lisbon against Benfica, but the match was suspended due to alleged racist abuse. He posted a message on Instagram after the match, in which he wrote, among other things, that racists are cowards.
"Racists are, above all, cowards" - Vinicius Jr releases strong statement on social media after alleged racism incident in Benfica v Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior hit out at 'cowards' after accusing Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during Tuesday's Champions League play-off between Benfica and Real Madrid.
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