Benfica supporters jeer Vinícius Jr. while Madrid expresses solidarity.
Fans of Benfica vocally booed Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium during the second leg of the Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, following the Brazilian’s allegation of racial abuse by an opponent in the first match.
Over 3,000 Benfica supporters at the Bernabeu jeered nearly every time Vinícius had possession of the ball. They cheered when he mishandled the ball early in the match. The Benfica crowd also expressed their disapproval when the Brazilian’s name was announced in the starting lineup prior to the game.
The intensity of the boos diminished as the match progressed. The score was level at 1-1 after the first half-hour. Vinícius was involved in the buildup of what could have been Madrid’s second goal, but it was ruled out for offside.
Vinícius was the focal point at the Bernabeu following the events of the first leg in Lisbon last week, where he accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse after scoring the 1-0 winner and celebrating near the Benfica corner flag.
Prestianni, who has denied the allegations of racial insult and has received support from Benfica, was provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA and did not participate on Wednesday, despite traveling to the Spanish capital. UEFA rejected Benfica’s last-minute appeal against the provisional suspension earlier on Wednesday.
Last week’s match was paused for nearly 10 minutes after the referee implemented the anti-racism protocol in response to Vinícius’ complaint.
A few Benfica fans were observed making monkey gestures from the stands after the match at the Stadium of Light last week.
Prior to Wednesday’s match, Madrid supporters displayed a banner reading “No To Racism.” A “respect” banner was also visible behind one of the goals at the Bernabeu.
Madrid fans also booed when Benfica central defender Nicolás Otamendi touched the ball. Otamendi, who is also Argentine, was among the players who confronted Vinícius after the Brazilian’s celebration by the Benfica flag.
Benfica was also without coach José Mourinho, the former Madrid manager who was sent off late in the first leg for his complaints to the referee. Mourinho did not attend the pre-game news conference on Tuesday and was anticipated to watch the match from the stands at the Bernabeu.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
