UEFA Launches Investigation Into Alleged Racial Abuse Of Vinicius Jr.

UEFA has confirmed it will “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour” following an incident during Tuesday’s Champions League play-off match in Lisbon, where Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse.

The first leg of the knockout phase play-off tie was momentarily halted for over ten minutes after Vinicius Jr. reported the alleged abuse to French referee François Letexier. The confrontation occurred shortly after the Brazilian international opened the scoring in the 50th minute, celebrating in front of the home crowd, which appeared to provoke Benfica fans and some players.

Following a heated exchange with midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius Jr. approached Referee Letexier – who had already booked him for his celebrations – and seemingly informed him that he had been called “mono,” the Spanish term for monkey, by the Argentine player.

The incident led to angry clashes between the two benches, resulting in Letexier issuing a red card to a member of Real Madrid’s backroom staff. After a break of nearly 15 minutes, during which Letexier implemented UEFA’s racism protocol, the match eventually resumed. UEFA’s investigation will now seek to establish the facts surrounding the alleged discriminatory behaviour.