Actual Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in Lisbon was overshadowed by an incident involving Vinicius Jr that when once more raised critical considerations.
The Brazilian ahead reported alleged racist abuse through the match, prompting referee Francois Letexier to halt play for 10 minutes.
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Each groups left the pitch shortly after .
Because the scenario drew widespread consideration, distinguished figures from outdoors soccer publicly expressed their assist.
and have been amongst those that reacted.
Picture by Valter Gouveia/Sports activities Press Picture/Getty Photos
Lewis Hamilton and Tony Bellew again Vinicius Jr
through the second half of the match, resulting in the short-term suspension of play.
The 25-year-old has beforehand been subjected to racist abuse throughout his profession, and the most recent incident sparked robust responses throughout social media.
Hamilton posted a transparent message of solidarity on his story. “We’re with you, Vini Jr.”
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In the meantime, he additionally commented on Vinicius’ IG: “You proceed to shine. Pleased with you, brother, standing with you.”
Former cruiserweight world champion Bellew was extra forceful in his response.
“Why is that this man being subjected to extra of this? It’s 2026 ffs! This has to cease,” he tweeted.
“Make an instance of this participant who has racially abused him and ban him for a full season on no pay! #RacismHasToStop.”
Their messages added to the broader requires accountability and stronger motion inside the recreation.
Vinicius Jr says ‘racists are cowards’ as Gianluca Prestianni denies allegation
After the match, Vinicius addressed the incident in an , expressing frustration at what he described as a recurring situation in his profession.
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“Racists are, above all, cowards,” he wrote. “They should put their shirts of their mouths to point out how weak they’re.
Picture by Octavio Passos – UEFA/UEFA by way of Getty Photos
“However they’ve the safety of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that occurred as we speak is new in my life or in my staff’s life.
“I obtained a yellow card for celebrating a objective. I nonetheless don’t perceive why. Then again, it was only a poorly executed protocol that served no objective.”
Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of directing the abuse, has since denied the allegation.
The matter is now prone to be reviewed below UEFA protocols following the short-term suspension of the match.
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