UEFA has formally opened an investigation into allegations that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was racially abused during his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica, a development that has reignited debate about racism in European football and intensified scrutiny of comments made by Benfica manager Jose Mourinho after the match.
The incident occurred during the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. In the second half, Vinicius Junior alerted the referee to alleged racist remarks directed at him by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. The match was briefly halted under UEFA’s anti-racism protocol while officials assessed the situation.
UEFA later confirmed that an ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to review the case in accordance with its regulations on discriminatory conduct. Under UEFA’s disciplinary code, racist abuse can result in severe sanctions, including lengthy suspensions and fines if proven.
Vinicius Junior has long been one of the most vocal high-profile players speaking out against racism in football. In Spain and across Europe, he has repeatedly faced discriminatory abuse, prompting La Liga and Spanish authorities to pursue multiple investigations in recent seasons. The Brazilian forward has consistently called for stronger institutional action, arguing that symbolic gestures are not enough.
Following the Benfica match, Vinicius took to social media, condemning racism and reaffirming his stance against discriminatory behaviour in football. His teammates publicly supported him, with several Real Madrid players expressing solidarity and calling for accountability if the allegations are substantiated.
Gianluca Prestianni has denied making any racist remarks. Benfica issued a statement backing their player while reiterating the club’s commitment to equality and respect. The Portuguese club stressed that it will cooperate fully with UEFA’s investigation.
The controversy deepened when Jose Mourinho addressed the incident in his post-match comments. The Benfica manager’s remarks were widely criticised by observers and anti-racism advocates, who argued that his response appeared dismissive of the seriousness of the allegation. Some commentators said his framing of events risked shifting focus away from the core issue of alleged racist abuse.
Critics, including anti-discrimination organisations, emphasised that when players report racist incidents, responses from managers and officials must prioritise clarity and support rather than ambiguity. Supporters of Mourinho, however, have argued that his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
UEFA’s anti-racism framework includes a three-step protocol for addressing discriminatory incidents during matches: stopping the game, suspending it temporarily, and, in extreme cases, abandoning it altogether. The brief stoppage during the Benfica-Real Madrid match followed the initial step of that procedure.
The investigation will now rely on referee reports, match delegate observations, available video footage, and submissions from both clubs. Establishing proof in cases involving alleged on-field verbal abuse can be complex, particularly when there is no clear audio evidence.
The case once again places UEFA under pressure to demonstrate that its zero-tolerance stance on racism translates into consistent and decisive action. European football’s governing body has, in recent years, increased fines and match suspensions for discriminatory conduct, yet critics argue that enforcement must remain firm and transparent to deter repeat incidents.
For Vinicius Junior, the episode adds to a troubling pattern that has defined parts of his European career. For UEFA, the stakes extend beyond a single disciplinary case, they touch on credibility, leadership, and the broader fight against racism in sport.
The outcome of the investigation is expected in the coming weeks. Until then, the incident continues to fuel debate across football circles about accountability, player protection, and the responsibilities of those in positions of influence within the game.
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