Real Madrid CF say they have supplied “all available evidence” to UEFA as the governing body investigates allegations of racism made by forward Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazil international said he reported racial abuse by a Benfica player to referee Francois Letexier during Tuesday’s Champions League knockout round play-off tie in Lisbon. Real Madrid identified the player in question as Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.
UEFA confirmed on Wednesday, February 19, that it had opened a disciplinary investigation into events at the match. Real Madrid subsequently issued a statement outlining their cooperation.
“Real Madrid CF announces that it has today provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred [on Tuesday, Feb. 17, during the Champions League match that our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica,” the statement read.
“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 Vinicius 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 alleged he had been abused following his goal celebration. Play was halted for approximately 10 minutes before resuming, with the forward completing the full game.
After the match, Vinícius wrote on his Instagram story in Portuguese: “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 denied making any racist comment in a post on Instagram, while SL Benfica criticised what it described as a “smear campaign” against their player.
Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has also faced criticism from anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, which labelled his post-match remarks as “gaslighting”.
Mourinho told Amazon Prime: “I told [Vinicius], when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”
He added that “something happens, always” in matches where Vinícius plays. UEFA’s investigation into the incident remains ongoing.