Benfica: ‘Real Madrid players may not have perceived’ claimed racism against Vinicius Jr.
Benfica has refuted claims that Real Madrid players could have overheard the purported racist remarks directed at Vinícius Júnior.
Vinícius dramatically netted the sole goal in Tuesday evening’s Champions League match at the Estádio da Luz, but during his celebrations, he became involved in a confrontation with Benfica players, including Gianluca Prestianni, whom he accused of racism.
Vinícius approached the referee after Prestianni, whose shirt was obscuring his mouth, seemed to say something to him.
Vinícius’ Madrid teammates quickly came to his aid; however, Benfica’s official account on X released a statement asserting that the alleged incident could not have been heard.
“As the footage shows, due to the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard,” the Benfica account stated following the match.
Federico Valverde had earlier remarked: “According to teammates who were close by, they heard something very unpleasant.”
Kylian Mbappé also maintained that Prestianni had racially insulted Vinícius.
Aurélien Tchouaméni informed Movistar: “Vini told us the guy called him a monkey.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed to CBS: “It’s spoiled the evening; it’s a disgrace to the sport. It’s a disgrace in society as well. There is no room for it.”
Vinícius labeled Prestianni a “coward” in a social media post following the match. Prestianni shared his own response, stating: “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone.”
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho criticized Vinícius’ celebration after his goal, which preceded the incident with Prestianni.
“Something’s not right,” Mourinho stated. “Vinícius scored a brilliant goal. Why didn’t he celebrate like Eusebio, Pelé, or Di Stéfano?”
– Jose Mourinho critical of Vinícius: ‘Celebrate like Pele’
– Vinícius Júnior accuses ‘coward’ Prestianni of racist abuse
– Real Madrid learned lesson from Champions League loss to Benfica
Mourinho also told Movistar: “Vinícius says one thing, and Prestianni says another. I don’t want to claim that I 100% support Prestianni, but I also can’t assert that what Vinícius told me is the truth. I can’t, I don’t know.”
The second leg of the Champions League knockout tie is scheduled for next week at the Bernabéu. Mourinho will be suspended after receiving a red card in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s first leg.
