UEFA introduced it has opened an from Actual Madrid ahead Vinícius Júnior that by Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica throughout Tuesday’s Champions League match.
The match was delayed for 10 minutes within the second half following Vinícius Júnior’s purpose after referee François Letexier initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol. After the Actual Madrid star celebrated taking the lead, Benfica gamers had been seen getting upset with him.
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Through the skirmish, Vinícius Júnior was seen strolling previous Prestianni earlier than instantly approaching Letexier with the allegation.
“Racists are, above all, cowards. They should cowl their mouths with a shirt to point out how weak they’re,” Vinícius Júnior mentioned in a press release on social media. “However they’ve, on their aspect, the safety of others who, theoretically, have the duty to punish. Nothing that occurred in the present day is new in my life or in my household’s life. I acquired a yellow card for celebrating a purpose. I nonetheless do not perceive why.
“On the opposite aspect, there was solely a poorly executed protocol that served no objective. I do not like to look in conditions like this, particularly after an incredible victory when the headlines ought to be about Actual Madrid, however it’s needed.”
Kylian Mbappé mentioned he heard Prestianni name Vinícius Júnior a “monkey” 5 instances.
The 20-year-old Prestianni has denied the allegations.
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni speaks in direction of Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Junior throughout Tuesday’s Champions League match at Estadio do SL Benfica. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photos)
(Angel Martinez by way of Getty Photos)
“I need to make clear that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard,” . “I used to be by no means racist with anybody and I remorse the threats I acquired from Actual Madrid gamers.”
FIFA president saying that he was “shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism” and praised the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol. There may be completely no room for racism in our sport and in society,” Infantino mentioned on social media. “We want all of the related stakeholders to take motion and maintain these accountable to account.”
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If Prestianni is discovered responsible of racial abuse, he faces a possible 10-match ban per UEFA’s tips.
Benfica and Actual Madrid will meet once more subsequent Wednesday within the second leg of their Champions League knockout section playoff at Estadio Bernabéu in Madrid.