Real Madrid submits ‘all available evidence’ to UEFA regarding Vinícius Jr. investigation.
Real Madrid has provided UEFA with “all available evidence” regarding the purported racist remark directed at Vinícius Júnior during the Champions League encounter against Benfica.
“Our club has actively participated in the investigation initiated by UEFA following the unacceptable incidents of racism that occurred during that match,” the club stated on Thursday, without providing further details about the evidence.
On Wednesday, UEFA appointed a special investigator to collect information concerning the events that transpired in Lisbon during Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage.
Vinícius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of referring to him as “monkey” after the Brazilian netted the sole goal. Prestianni was among the Benfica players who expressed frustration towards Vinícius after the forward celebrated near the Benfica corner flag.
Prestianni allegedly covered his mouth with his shirt while addressing the Brazilian player and denied making any racial slurs against Vinícius, who is Black and has faced repeated instances of racist abuse in Spain.
“Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all sectors of the global football community,” the club remarked. “Real Madrid will persist in its efforts, in collaboration with all institutions, to eliminate racism, violence, and hatred in sports and society.”
The match was temporarily halted in accordance with UEFA regulations after Vinícius claimed he had been subjected to abuse following his goal celebration, leading to a stoppage in play that lasted 10 minutes, with Vinícius ultimately completing the match.
Following the game, Vinícius shared on his Instagram story in Portuguese: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are.”
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“However, they receive protection from others who, in theory, have the responsibility to impose penalties. Nothing that occurred today is unfamiliar to me and my family.”
“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still do not understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.”
Benfica stated that Prestianni was the target of a “defamation campaign” and expressed support for the investigation initiated by UEFA on Wednesday, affirming that it “fully supports and believes the account presented” by Prestianni.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed on Wednesday that he was “shocked and saddened to witness the incident of alleged racism” and commended the referee for implementing the anti-racism protocol during the match, which was paused for nearly 10 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
Information from The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.
