"Vinícius sensationally scored the only goal in Tuesday night's Champions League tie at the Estádio da Luz but, during his celebrations, became embroiled in a spat with Benfica players including Gianluca Prestianni, accusing him of racism. Vinícius ran towards the referee after Prestianni, whose shirt was covering his mouth, appeared to say something to him. Vinícius' Madrid teammates leapt to his defence however Benfica's official account on X posted a statement claiming they could not have heard the alleged incident."
"Federico Valverde had previously said: "According to teammates who were nearby, they heard something very nasty." Kylian Mbappé also insisted that Prestianni had racially abused Vinícius. Aurélien Tchouaméni told Movistar. "Vini told us the guy called him a monkey." Trent Alexander-Arnold told CBS: "It's ruined the night, it's a disgrace to the sport. It's a disgrace in society as well. There is no place for it.""
"Vinicius called Prestianni a "coward" in a social media post after the game. Prestianni posted his own reaction, saying: "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone." Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was critical of Vinicius' celebration after his goal, which preceded the incident with Prestianni."
Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal in the Champions League tie at Estádio da Luz and celebrated, then became involved in a confrontation with Benfica players including Gianluca Prestianni. Vinícius accused Prestianni of racial abuse and ran to the referee after Prestianni, whose shirt covered his mouth, appeared to say something. Real Madrid teammates defended Vinícius and reported hearing an offensive remark. Benfica's official account claimed Real Madrid players could not have heard the alleged incident because of the distance. Prestianni denied making racist insults. Vinicius called Prestianni a "coward". Jose Mourinho criticized Vinicius' celebration.
Read at ESPN.com
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