The Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica was momentarily halted following an allegation of racial abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Lisbon, during a pivotal showdown in the knockout stage.
Match Details
In the 52nd minute, with Real Madrid leading 1-0, referee François Letexier intervened. This followed a celebration by Vinícius, who performed a dance in front of the corner flag, which stirred discontent among Benfica players.
Allegations and Reactions
Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni confronted Vinícius by covering his mouth with his jersey while expressing his displeasure. Vinícius then relayed to the referee that Prestianni had allegedly referred to him as “monkey.” This serious accusation prompted the referee to stop the match immediately.
Official Response
- Referee François Letexier halted the game at 52 minutes.
- The match resumed at 60 minutes after discussions with the players.
- Vinícius was cautioned with a yellow card for his celebration.
- Prestianni was not carded but was questioned by the referee.
Coaches Involved
Both coaches engaged in discussions with Vinícius during the stoppage. José Mourinho of Benfica and Álvaro Arbeloa of Real Madrid were present to address the situation, although Letexier noted that he had not heard anything significant during the altercation.
Impact on the Match
This incident has raised awareness about racism in sports, shining a light on the challenges athletes face. Such events continue to spark discussions about sportsmanship and conduct on and off the field.
As the match resumed, the atmosphere remained tense, with both teams aware of the incident’s implications. This encounter serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding racism in football.
