Real Madrid has provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Junior by a Benfica player during a Champions League match.
Real Madrid has formally submitted “all available evidence” to UEFA following allegations of racism against forward Vinicius Junior during Tuesday’s match in Lisbon.
The Brazilian reported abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after scoring, leading to a ten-minute stoppage.
While Prestianni denies the claims, Real Madrid expressed gratitude for the global support of their player and vowed to cooperate fully to eradicate hatred in sport.
The incident has sparked significant friction, with anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out accusing Benfica coach Jose Mourinho of “gaslighting” for his post-match comments.
Mourinho stated, “I told (Vinicius), when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.”
Vinicius criticized the “poorly executed protocol” and the yellow card he received, while Benfica remains firm in defending their player against what they call a defamation campaign.