Kylian Mbappé: ‘I was aware’ of racist insults directed at Vinícius Júnior
Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid is calling for action against Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica, claiming that the Argentinian midfielder racially insulted Vinícius Júnior during the first leg of the Champions League playoff on Tuesday.
Vinícius accused Prestianni of racial abuse shortly after he netted the decisive goal in the 50th minute, prompting a 10-minute pause in the match held in Lisbon.
Prestianni, 20, has refuted Vinícius’ allegations on social media, asserting that the Brazilian international “misunderstood what he believes he heard.”
The young Argentine forward could face a suspension of up to 10 matches if found guilty of racial abuse under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations. The European football governing body announced on Wednesday that it has appointed a special investigator to collect evidence.
After the match, Mbappé supported Vinícius, stating on Spanish TVE: “There’s Benfica’s No. 25; I prefer not to mention his name as he doesn’t deserve it, who began to speak disrespectfully.
“Then he lifted his jersey to here [covering his mouth] to say that Vini is a monkey five times. I heard it. There are Benfica players who also heard it.”
Benfica contended that Real Madrid players could not have heard the alleged racist remarks due to the stadium’s noise and the distance between the players.
“I have the utmost respect for Benfica, for their coach [José Mourinho], one of the greatest in history, who is part of Real Madrid’s legacy,” Mbappé remarked.
“However, this player [Prestianni] should not be participating in this competition. We must set a positive example for the youth; if we allow this to pass, then the values of football mean nothing, and everything we stand for is meaningless. We need to take action.”
Benfica’s coach Mourinho criticized Vinícius for his goal celebration, which he viewed as a provocation to the home supporters. Vinícius celebrated the only goal of the match by dancing near the corner flag before engaging in a verbal exchange with several Benfica players, including Prestianni.
Mbappé came to Vinícius’ defense and posted on X: “[Dance] Vinícius and please never stop. They will never dictate what we should or shouldn’t do.”
– Benfica: ‘Real Madrid players could not have heard’ alleged Vinicius Jr. racism
– Real Madrid learned lesson from Champions League loss to Benfica
– Jose Mourinho critical of Vinícius: ‘Celebrate like Pelé’
Since arriving in Spain from Brazil in 2018, Vinícius has often been subjected to racist abuse from rival fans, with some offenders prosecuted and convicted in Spanish courts.
“This is not the first instance where Vini has faced such a situation,” Mbappé stated. “I genuinely feel for him…
“There are always individuals who justify it by claiming he talks back or provokes. Has Vini provoked during his career? Perhaps. Has he made mistakes in his career? Possibly.
“But he does not deserve this kind of treatment. I cannot comprehend how anyone could say he deserves this.
“Those are individuals who have never experienced or will never experience this, which is why they speak that way. I will never believe that any human being deserves such treatment.”
