UEFA Opens Investigation After Vinícius Júnior Accuses Benfica’s Prestianni of Racial Abuse
UCL Shaken: UEFA Opens Investigation After Vinícius Júnior Accuses Benfica’s Prestianni of Racial Abuse
LISBON — European football has been plunged into a familiar and somber controversy following Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica at the Estádio da Luz. UEFA confirmed Wednesday that it has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate allegations that Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior was targeted with a racial slur by an opposing player.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, led to a dramatic 10-minute suspension of play as the referee activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol. The first time such a measure has been triggered by an on-pitch altercation between players in a match of this magnitude.
The Flashpoint in Lisbon
The controversy erupted in the 50th minute, moments after Vinícius scored a spectacular curling goal to give the Spanish giants the lead. While celebrating with his trademark dance by the corner flag, the 25-year-old was confronted by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Television cameras captured Prestianni covering his mouth with his jersey while speaking to Vinícius. The Brazilian immediately alerted French referee François Letexier, reportedly accusing the 20-year-old Argentine of calling him "mono" (monkey). Letexier signaled for the match to stop, and Vinícius spent much of the ensuing delay seated in the dugout, visibly distressed as teammates and officials discussed whether to continue.
“Racists Are Cowards”
Following the match, Vinícius took to Instagram to issue a blistering statement, specifically addressing the gesture of covering one’s mouth during an insult.
“Racists are, above all, cowards,” Vinícius wrote. “They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are. But they have, at their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, are obligated to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or my family's life.”
Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde stood firmly behind his teammate, stating: “If you cover your mouth to say something, it’s because it’s not right. It’s lamentable. The insult is very serious.”
Mourinho vs. The World
The fallout has been intensified by comments from Benfica manager José Mourinho, who was sent off during the match for his protests. Speaking to Amazon Prime, Mourinho appeared to suggest that Vinícius’s conduct played a role in the targeting.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” Mourinho said. “The stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens. Always.”
Mourinho’s remarks have been widely criticized as “gaslighting” by pundits and fellow players. Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf called the comments a “big mistake,” while Kylian Mbappé has gone a step further, calling for a Champions League ban for Prestianni. “This guy doesn’t deserve to play in this competition anymore,” Mbappé told reporters.
The Defense and the Investigation
Gianluca Prestianni has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the incident was a "linguistic misunderstanding" born from typical on-pitch provocation. “At no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior,” he posted on social media. “I have never been racist toward anyone.”
Benfica has supported their player, releasing a video they claim proves the distance between players made it impossible for the Real Madrid contingent to have heard the alleged slur clearly.
UEFA’s investigation will now center on broadcast audio, lip-reading experts, and official match reports. If found guilty, Prestianni could face a multi-match suspension under Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations.
As the beautiful game once again grapples with its darkest shadow, the footballing world waits to see if 2026 will finally be the year that "zero tolerance" becomes more than a slogan.
