Trent Alexander-Arnold vents over ‘disgusting’ incident after Vinicius Jr allegedly racially abused
Trent Alexander-Arnold has branded the racist abuse incident during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica a “disgrace to football” that marred what should have been a memorable evening.
The match at the Estadio da Luz was suspended for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse to referee Francois Letexier.
Speaking to Amazon Prime following the 1-0 win, Alexander-Arnold said: “I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance as well after an amazing goal.”
The full-back added: “No place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”
An alleged racist abuse incident overshadowed Real Madrid’s win over Benfica
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The official signalled racist abuse by making the crossed-arms gesture, a protocol introduced by FIFA in May 2024, after speaking with the Brazilian forward.
Vinicius then departed the field, with his Real Madrid teammates following him off the pitch in solidarity.
The entire squad remained off the playing surface while discussions took place involving staff from both clubs, including Benfica manager Jose Mourinho.
Play eventually resumed in the 60th minute following the 10-minute interruption.
Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime: “I don’t know if he took persuading or not to come back on to the pitch. I think he wanted to carry on. He has got a strong mentality.”
Vinicius Jr was booked for his exuberant celebrations before he was allegedly racially abused
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The incident unfolded after Vinicius had netted a spectacular goal in the 50th minute to give the Spanish side the lead.
The 25-year-old celebrated by dancing near the corner flag, prompting objects to be hurled from the stands, with one striking him on the arm during stoppage time.
He received a yellow card for his exuberant celebration, which appeared to inflame tensions inside the stadium.
A confrontation between players from both teams followed, during which Vinicius was seen in conversation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni on the halfway line.
The Brazilian then approached the referee while pointing towards the opposition player before walking off.
“It’s ruined the night. It’s a disgrace to the sport, it’s a disgrace in society as well.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold shares his feelings with @GuillemBalague on the incident between Vinícius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni 👇 pic.twitter.com/xSSn5ih4HB
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 17, 2026
Alexander-Arnold acknowledged the challenging circumstances but expressed hope for accountability, telling Amazon Prime: “That is out of my hands. I think it is a difficult situation. The referee said he did say whatever he did say with his shirt over his mouth. Hopefully there is justice involved with whatever happens.”
The Brazilian forward has faced racist abuse on multiple occasions throughout his career.
Last year, five individuals received suspended prison sentences for racially abusing him, marking the first conviction for racism at a football match in Spain.
Vinicius that is 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/ht60WOYgm4
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) February 17, 2026
UEFA’s three-step racism protocol, established in 2009, mandates stopping play as the initial response to discrimination incidents inside stadiums.
