UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate allegations of a racist slur directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday’s Champions League playoff match at Benfica.
Vinícius scored the only goal in the first leg at the Estádio da Luz but, during his celebrations, became embroiled in a spat with Benfica players including Gianluca Prestianni, accusing the Argentinian midfielder of racism.
The game was paused for 10 minutes after the referee initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 knockout playoff between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026,” a UEFA statement said.
Prestianni, 20, has denied Vinicius’ claims on social media stating that the Brazil international “misinterpreted what he thinks he heard.”
Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé claimed he heard Prestianni say “monkey” to Vinícius five times.
Sources have told ESPN that Vinícius is well and is very grateful for the support he has received from his club and teammates, particularly for Mbappé. Mbappé was one of the first Madrid players to come to Vinícius’ defence.
The French star was captured shortly after the alleged episode by Spanish TV Movistar+ cameras confronting Prestianni on the pitch and accusing him of racism.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mbappé said he “really hurt for Vinícius” while demanded that action be taken against Prestianni.
– Seedorf on Mourinho’s Vinícius reaction: Mistake to justify racial abuse
– Trent Alexander-Arnold calls for ‘justice’ after Vinícius Jr. racism accusation
– Kylian Mbappé: ‘I heard’ racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior
Benfica, meanwhile, have argued that Madrid players could not have heard alleged racist abuse because of the noise at the stadium and the distance between the players.
Former Benfica captain Luisão was among those that criticised the Portuguese team’s stance.
Benfica take on Madrid at the Bernabéu in the return leg on Feb. 25 needing to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit.
Information from ESPN’s Gustavo Hofman contributed to this report.
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