Actual Madrid’s Brazilian ahead Vinicius Jr alleges he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Printed On 19 Feb 2026
Actual Madrid has despatched UEFA, soccer’s governing physique in Europe, “all accessible proof” of an alleged racist insult towards Vinicius Jr in a Champions League match towards Benfica.
“Our membership has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism skilled throughout that match,” the Spanish membership mentioned on Thursday with out elaborating on the proof.
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UEFA appointed a particular investigator on Wednesday to gather evidence about what occurred in Lisbon on Tuesday in Madrid’s 1-0 win at Benfica within the first leg of the knockout spherical of the Champions League.
Vinicius accused Benfica participant Gianluca Prestianni of calling him “monkey” after the Brazilian scored the one purpose. Prestianni was among the many Benfica gamers upset with Vinícius after the ahead celebrated by the Benfica nook flag.
Prestianni lined his mouth together with his shirt when he allegedly spoke to the Brazilian participant and denied racially abusing Vinicius, who’s Black and has been subjected to repeated racist insults in Spain.
“Actual Madrid appreciates the unanimous assist, backing, and affection that our participant Vinicius Jr. has acquired from all areas of the worldwide soccer group,” the membership mentioned. “Actual Madrid will proceed working, in collaboration with all establishments, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports activities and society.”
Benfica mentioned Prestianni was the sufferer of a “defamation marketing campaign” and welcomed the investigation opened by UEFA, saying it “totally helps and believes the model introduced” by Prestianni.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned on Wednesday he was “shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism” and praised the referee for activating the antiracism protocol throughout the match, which was halted for practically 10 minutes on the Stadium of Mild.
