LISBON, Portugal — A Champions League knockout play-off match between Benfica and Real Madrid was temporarily halted Wednesday evening after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. Alleged he was subjected to racist abuse from a Benfica player. The incident occurred shortly after Vinicius Jr. Scored the game’s only goal, leading to a 10-minute suspension of play as officials activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
The disruption unfolded when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni reportedly pulled his shirt over his mouth and made a comment to Vinicius Jr., prompting the Real Madrid player to immediately report the incident to referee François Letexier. The match was stopped as Letexier consulted with players and coaches, ultimately activating the protocol which involves crossing arms in front of the face to signal a pause in play due to potential racism. This incident underscores the ongoing battle against racism in football, a problem that continues to plague the sport despite increased awareness and preventative measures.
Following discussions, play resumed, and Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory. However, the match was further marred by a separate incident late in stoppage time when objects were thrown at Vinicius Jr. As he prepared to take a corner kick. Benfica coach José Mourinho attempted to console a visibly upset Vinicius Jr., and a member of the Benfica coaching staff received a red card during the extended stoppage. Mourinho himself was later sent off for a separate infraction.
Vinicius Jr. Speaks Out
After the match, Vinicius Jr. Took to Instagram to express his frustration and condemn the incident. “Racists are, above all, cowards,” he posted. “They require to set their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish.” He likewise criticized what he described as a “poorly executed protocol” that he felt did not adequately address the situation, stating, “I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why.”
Conflicting Accounts and Reactions
Mourinho offered a different perspective, claiming Vinicius Jr.’s celebration incited a reaction from the Benfica supporters and players. He stated he wanted to remain impartial, noting that both Vinicius Jr. And Prestianni offered differing accounts of the exchange. “I told [Vinicius Jr] – when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back,” Mourinho said, as reported by NBC Sports. He also emphasized Benfica’s historical commitment to inclusivity, stating, “This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa deferred questions about the incident to Benfica, stating, “You have to ask Benfica’s players [about it].” Trent Alexander-Arnold, Vinicius Jr.’s teammate, condemned the incident as “a disgrace to football,” adding, “It’s overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal.” He further emphasized the repeated nature of the abuse Vinicius Jr. Has faced throughout his career, stating there is “no place for it in football or society.”
A History of Abuse
This incident is not isolated. Vinicius Jr. Has been the target of racist abuse on multiple occasions. In 2024, he expressed feeling “less and less” like playing football due to the ongoing abuse. Yahoo Sports reports that in 2024, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for racially abusing him, and in 2025, five individuals received suspended prison sentences in an “unprecedented” ruling in Spain related to an incident in September 2022.
The incident at Benfica comes as the football world prepares for a major international tournament, raising concerns about the potential for further incidents and the need for stronger action against racism. What comes next will likely involve investigations by both UEFA and FIFA, as well as continued calls for stricter penalties and preventative measures to protect players from abuse. The focus will be on ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in the sport.
Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.
