Lisbon: UEFA has introduced it’ll examine allegations of discriminatory conduct following a Champions League match during which Actual Madrid ahead Vinicius Junior accused Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him.
The incident occurred throughout Tuesday’s first leg of the knockout play-off in Lisbon. The match was briefly halted for over 10 minutes after Vinicius approached French referee Francois Letexier, claiming that Prestianni had referred to as him “mono” — the Spanish phrase for monkey — throughout a confrontation on the sphere.
Vinicius had scored the one aim of the match within the fiftieth minute, giving Actual Madrid a 1-0 victory. He later acquired a yellow card after celebrating in entrance of Benfica’s dwelling crowd on the Estadio da Luz, which reportedly sparked pressure with some followers and gamers.
Prestianni, 20, denied any racial abuse, though footage confirmed him masking his mouth whereas showing to talk to Vinicius.
The incident drew robust reactions from gamers and soccer authorities. Actual Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold described the alleged abuse as “disgusting” and a “shame for soccer,” including that it had “ruined the night time for the group.” Actual ahead Kylian Mbappe referred to as for Prestianni to be banned, stating, “This man does not need to play within the Champions League once more.”
In the meantime, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho criticized Vinicius for upsetting the house crowd together with his aim celebration. British anti-discrimination group Kick It Out condemned Mourinho’s feedback, calling them “gaslighting” and emphasizing that stories of discrimination needs to be taken significantly and victims supported.
French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni confirmed that Vinicius had knowledgeable the referee in regards to the alleged racial slur. UEFA’s investigation is anticipated to find out whether or not disciplinary motion will likely be taken towards Prestianni.
This controversy highlights ongoing considerations over racism in European soccer and the necessity for stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination protocols.
