UEFA Investigates Alleged Racist Insult to Vinícius Jr. in Benfica vs. Real Madrid

UEFA confirmed it has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior in the Benfica vs. Real Madrid (0-1) match, in which Argentine Gianluca Prestianni allegedly directed racist insults at Brazilian Vinícius Jr.

The organization, which had already reviewed the official match report, stated that more information will be provided in due course.

The match, the first leg of the Champions League playoff round, was paused for eight minutes after Vinícius’ goal celebration. The referee applied the anti-racism protocol after the Brazilian reported Prestianni’s comments.

“Official match reports are being reviewed. When incidents are reported, procedures are initiated, and if disciplinary sanctions are imposed, they are announced on UEFA’s website,” the organization said.

In addition to the alleged racist insult, UEFA will also investigate objects thrown from the stands—one of which hit Vinícius—and the expulsion of Benfica coach José Mourinho for protesting a second yellow card for the Brazilian forward. Mourinho will not sit on the bench at the Bernabéu for the return leg and could be replaced by an assistant under UEFA regulations (art. 79.04).

UEFA Anti-Racism Protocol

Since 2009, referees have official guidelines to manage racist incidents. The protocol includes three phases:

- Stop the match and announce over the PA system if racist behavior is detected.

- If it continues, temporarily suspend the game and, if necessary, send teams to the locker rooms with a new announcement.

- As a last resort, permanently suspend the match if racist behavior persists after the second restart.

The UEFA delegate assists the referee in determining if the racist behavior has ceased before making the final decision.

Incident in Lisbon

French referee François Letexier activated the protocol after Vinícius’ goal in the 49th minute, when the Brazilian celebrated near the corner flag and reported Prestianni’s alleged racist insult, as the Argentine had covered his mouth with his shirt.

The match was paused for eight minutes amid tension, with players like Kylian Mbappé threatening to leave the field.

“What I saw is very clear: number 25 said five times to Vini that you are a monkey. Everyone can have their opinion, but we are giving the facts, and we all must move in the same direction. This type of behavior is unacceptable. It’s wonderful to play in the Champions League, but giving this image is terrible for world football,” Mbappé said.

Gianluca Prestianni denied the racist insult on social media and said he had received threats from Real Madrid players:

“At no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Jr., who unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard. I have never been racist toward anyone,” he wrote.

Vinícius Jr. responded:

“Racists are, above all, cowards and need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are. On top of that, they are protected by those who should punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or my family’s life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal, without understanding why. The protocol was barely executed and was useless. I don’t like being involved in situations like this, especially after a great victory, but it is necessary.”