Real Madrid send evidence of alleged racist remarks on Vinícius Jr to UEFA for investigation
- Anweshan Ghosh
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Real Madrid have sent all the evidence of alleged racist remarks on Vinicius Jr. by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni in their Champions League playoffs match. UEFA had appointed a top investigating officer to gather evidence about the mishap that took place in Lisbon in Madrid’s 1-0 victory over the home side.
The Brazilian accused Prestianni of calling him a ‘monkey’ while covering his face after Vini celebrated by dancing near the corner flag after scoring. Several other Benfica players were also upset with the way he chose to celebrate.
Vinicius has been a victim of racist remarks in Spain for quite a while now, and now this is spreading in Europe as well. Racism has no place in football, and the club has backed the Brazilian in this incident.
"Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match," Real Madrid said in a statement. (sic)
It further added, “Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr has received from all areas of the global football community," the club said. "Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society.” (sic)
The game had been paused for almost eleven minutes after the match officials had activated the UEFA anti-racism protocol. After the game, Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde and many other former players and pundits also came out in support of the Brazilian forward.
Benfica have defended 20-year-old Prestianni, saying that he has been a victim of a defamation campaign and the winger has been misunderstood by Vinicius. The club has acknowledged UEFA’s investigation and believes that the truth will prevail.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was left stunned after the incident, as it's a rare and saddening scenario when the referee has to activate the anti racism protocol in a game of ninety minutes. Vinicius felt that it was unjustified when he danced and received a yellow card while there have been instances where players have done the same celebration and walked away without any booking.
"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are,” said Vinicius on his Instagram story following the game. (sic)
"But they have protection from others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and my family's. (sic)
-racism
The Brazilian accused Prestianni of calling him a ‘monkey’ while covering his face after Vini celebrated by dancing near the corner flag after scoring. Several other Benfica players were also upset with the way he chose to celebrate.
Vinicius has been a victim of racist remarks in Spain for quite a while now, and now this is spreading in Europe as well. Racism has no place in football, and the club has backed the Brazilian in this incident.
"Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match," Real Madrid said in a statement. (sic)
It further added, “Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr has received from all areas of the global football community," the club said. "Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society.” (sic)
The game had been paused for almost eleven minutes after the match officials had activated the UEFA anti-racism protocol. After the game, Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde and many other former players and pundits also came out in support of the Brazilian forward.
Benfica have defended 20-year-old Prestianni, saying that he has been a victim of a defamation campaign and the winger has been misunderstood by Vinicius. The club has acknowledged UEFA’s investigation and believes that the truth will prevail.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was left stunned after the incident, as it's a rare and saddening scenario when the referee has to activate the anti-racism protocol in a game of ninety minutes. Vinicius felt that it was unjustified when he danced and received a yellow card while there have been instances where players have done the same celebration and walked away without any booking.
"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are,” said Vinicius on his Instagram story following the game. (sic)
"But they have protection from others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and my family's. (sic)
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