Vinicius Junior makes feelings clear after alleged racist abuse as accused Benfica star breaks silence
Vinicius Junior has spoken out following alleged racist abuse during Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica.
The Brazilian curled an exceptional effort into the top corner in the 50th minute to seal the win for Real Madrid, leading to celebrations near the corner flag.
Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni then approached Vinicius on the halfway line, lifting his shirt over his mouth before speaking to him.
The French referee implemented established protocols in response to allegations of racial abuse directed at the player, with the match coming to a complete standstill as the Real Madrid star initially refused to continue playing.
After the game, Vinicius posted in Portuguese on his Instagram story: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.
“But, they have protection from others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and my family’s.
“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. Still not understanding why. On the other side, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
“I don’t like to appear in situations like this, even more so after a great victory and when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Vinicius Junior has spoken out following alleged racist abuse during Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Benfica
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Prestianni has also issued a statement shared by Benfica on social media, in which he denies making racist comments.
He said: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
The incident has sparked an ongoing row across the football world, as Benfica boss Jose Mourinho appeared to suggest that Vinicius had provoked the abuse.
Vinicius Jr was booked for his exuberant celebrations before he was allegedly racially abused | GETTYMourinho told Amazon Prime: “I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. They (Vinicius and Prestianni) told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”
Mourinho then appeared to comment on previous incidents in which Vinicius has been subject to racist abuse in stadiums.
The Brazilian has spoken out multiple times against racism he’s suffered, saying in November 2024: “I play in Spain, where I suffered a lot and still suffer.”
In June of that year, three Valencia fans were jailed for eight months for racially abusing him during a LaLiga game in May 2023, in the first verdict of its kind in Spain.
Vinicius Jr earlier alleged that he was racially abused during the tie | GETTYMourinho said: “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold has also come out to call the incident “a disgrace to football”.
England right-back Alexander-Arnold said: “I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance as well after an amazing goal.
“Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace. No place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”
