Real Madrid CF have confirmed they have supplied “all available evidence” to UEFA as the governing body investigates allegations of racism involving forward Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazil international said he reported racial abuse by an opponent during Tuesday’s Champions League knockout round play-off tie in Lisbon. Real Madrid identified the alleged offender as Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica.
UEFA confirmed on Wednesday, February 19, that a disciplinary investigation has been opened into the incident. Shortly after, Real Madrid released a statement outlining their cooperation with the process.
“Real Madrid CF announces that it has today provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred during the Champions League match that our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica,” the club said.
“Our club has actively co-operated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match.
“Real Madrid is grateful for the unanimous support and affection that our player Vinícius Jr. has received from all sectors of the global football community. Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and in society.”
The match was temporarily paused in line with UEFA protocols after Vinícius raised the allegation following his goal celebration. Play was halted for around 10 minutes before resuming, with the forward completing the full match.
After the game, Vinícius posted a strongly worded message on Instagram in Portuguese, writing:
“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.
“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. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. Still not understanding why. On the other side, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.”
Prestianni has denied making any racist comment in a social media post, while Benfica condemned what it described as a “smear campaign” against their player.
Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has also drawn criticism from anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, which labelled his post-match comments as “gaslighting”.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Mourinho said: “I told [Vinícius], when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. They [Vinícius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be independent.”
He added that “something happens, always” in matches involving Vinícius.
UEFA’s investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
