Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout phase play-off against Benfica was suspended for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse, leading him and his teammates to leave the pitch.
Referee Francois Letexier made the crossed-arms gesture, signalling racist abuse, following a discussion with Vinicius.
The Brazilian forward had put the Spanish visitors 1-0 ahead in the second half at the Estadio da Luz, only to be booked for an excessive celebration.
After an interaction with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius approached referee Letexier, gesturing towards the opposing player. He then walked off the pitch, followed by his Real Madrid teammates, though play resumed 10 minutes later.
Objects were reportedly thrown from the crowd as Vinicius celebrated his superb 50th-minute opener by the corner flag. This sparked a disagreement between players on the pitch, after which Vinicius and Prestianni were seen interacting on the halfway line.
The Real Madrid star led his teammates off the pitch after reporting the incident and spoke with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho as staff from both clubs became involved.
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