Champions League play-off clash between Benfica and Real Madrid was paused with UEFA's racism protocols activated after Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has released a statement slamming the ‘poorly executed’ protocol put in place after allegedly being subjected to racist abuse. Real Madrid ’s Champions League clash against Benfica was suspended with UEFA’s protocols in place after the winger made the accusation.
The Brazilian scored what turned out to be the winning goal of the game in the 50th minute and celebrated by dancing in front of the Benfica supporters. He was subsequently booked by the referee.
After an exchange with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who is seen putting his shirt over his mouth, Vinicius Jr reported an alleged incident of racism. UEFA’s protocols saw the game halted, with the Real Madrid forward going to sit on the bench.
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After a 10-minute break, the match got back underway. The Spanish side saw out the 1-0 win to take the advantage into next week’s second leg at the Bernabeu.
The rest of the game saw Real players jeered and booed by the home fans every time they touched the ball. There were also missiles thrown at Vinicius and teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Following the game, Vinicius took to Instagram. Firstly, he posted a picture of himself celebrating his goal alongside Kylian Mbappe, along with a caption reading: “Santiago Bernabeu. See you there.”
He then addressed the incident specifically in a statement on his Instagram story. “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are,” he wrote.
“But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team's life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why.
“On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don't like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary”.
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Benfica winger Prestianni has also taken to Instagram to deny the racism allegation. ”I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to player Vinicius Junior, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard,” he wrote.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats that I received from Real Madrid players.”
The game saw a member of Benfica’s backroom staff shown a red card during the incident. Manager Jose Mourinho was then shown a red in the closing minutes following an outburst at the referee.
/MADRIDISTA
0
Thank You, I Strongly Believe In This Too 🤌💯
Why won’t you believe, you’re senseless that’s why
Saeaceistu
0
vinicius change your attitude it's getting too much on you, you are not the only black guy playing the game as a matter of fact mbape is black also and legends like Ronaldinho and Pele has played the same game be successful, you seems to be too pompous
What has being the only black guy got to do with what happened yesterday?
Saeaceistu
0
But why is it only Vinicius get abused. there is something wrong here
It’s the way you look at it that’s all
GaddafiJamal
0
But why is it only Vinicius get abused. there is something wrong here
Thank You, I Strongly Believe In This Too 🤌💯
Ratackpru
0
I think Vini is the only black player in the world
I wonder also
Hritangshu93
5
Again I can see some people are actually showing hypocrisy by saying that Vini is playing the victim card here...... please everyone.....grow up and see..... Vini is indeed the victim here..... racism is not acceptable in any formats of life let alone football.....why this happens with Vini too much....well because somewhere down the line it seems like the opponents have started enjoying teasing him racially which is so unacceptable.......this is the time when proper strict actions should be taken..... it's easy for us to say that he complains too much because we were never in that situation.....but this is a line which can't be crossed because it's not just an insult to a player.... it's an insult to his humanity......so please grow up and start looking things objectively.....put aside rivalry for a while.......this is a deep rooted problem which is far more serious than it looks.....
Nadeemhasan24
2
But why is it only Vinicius get abused. there is something wrong here
i pity you and your mindset... you are a disgrace if you start questioning the person who has suffered racism
gudiest01
1
This is his turn, allow the young man to express his self
bro it's getting too much imagine being only him every time he needs to be spoken sense into
Bukaiotu
1
I think Vini is the only black player in the world
U are jxt a fool . Some things are beyond football and banter
gudiest01
0
instead of talking against racism you are busy talking nuisance
you are a fool and hypocrite, is he the only one? he keeps playing victim all days
BlessingsCo-operator
0
Is not only him. Are you sure you’re a football fan?
brother man in most cases it comes to Vini I am not saying it's a good thing no just wondering
RahulM
1
I think Vini is the only black player in the world
/MADRIDISTA
1
But why is it only Vinicius get abused. there is something wrong here
Is not only him. Are you sure you’re a football fan?
Mibbluyz
1
vinicius change your attitude it's getting too much on you, you are not the only black guy playing the game as a matter of fact mbape is black also and legends like Ronaldinho and Pele has played the same game be successful, you seems to be too pompous
This is his turn, allow the young man to express his self
dunacnosz
1
vinicius change your attitude it's getting too much on you, you are not the only black guy playing the game as a matter of fact mbape is black also and legends like Ronaldinho and Pele has played the same game be successful, you seems to be too pompous
instead of talking against racism you are busy talking nuisance
Raeekmou
1
Cxzx cxz,, i never knew that a fool like you exist
BlessingsCo-operator
3
But why is it only Vinicius get abused. there is something wrong here
matcimnz
2
vinicius change your attitude it's getting too much on you, you are not the only black guy playing the game as a matter of fact mbape is black also and legends like Ronaldinho and Pele has played the same game be successful, you seems to be too pompous
Nonsense talk
gudiest01
3
vinicius change your attitude it's getting too much on you, you are not the only black guy playing the game as a matter of fact mbape is black also and legends like Ronaldinho and Pele has played the same game be successful, you seems to be too pompous