Vinicius Jr has released a statement following alleged racial abuse during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday night. The Brazilian international scored the only goal of the game, a stunning curling effort from outside the box, as Los Blancos moved closer to Champions League knockout qualification with a controlled performance in the playoff first leg.
However, attention quickly shifted from the strike itself to the events immediately afterward. Jose Mourinho criticised Vinicius for provoking conflict with his celebration in front of Benfica fans, who responded by throwing objects. The situation escalated further after Argentine opponent Gianluca Prestianni appeared to make a comment that set off tempers between the two sets of players.
It is not yet clear what was said, but it is believed that Prestianni, who covered his mouth to prevent lip-reading, aimed racist remarks in Vinicius' direction. This is not the first time the forward has faced discrimination. ESPN listed 16 incidents back in May 2024, with more reported since, yet the 25-year-old continues to use his platform to push for change.
Jose Mourinho Related
What Jose Mourinho Told Vinicius Jr After Alleged Racial Abuse in Benfica vs Real Madrid
The 63-year-old appeared deep in conversation with Vinicius as he headed to the dugout for a breather following his stunning goal.
Vinicius Jr's Explosive Statement Amid Racism Row
Vinicius Jr
Vinicius criticised the protocol following his conversation with the referee, while also questioning the decision to give him a yellow card for his celebration, on his Instagram story following the match. He wrote (see below):
"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.
"Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team's life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose."
He concluded: "I don't like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold Also Condemned the Incident
Real Madrid 1-0 Benfica
Another player to have spoken out against the unsavoury scenes at the Estadio da Luz in midweek is Vinicius' teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. The former Liverpool defender was asked about what had happened during a post-match interview, and the Englishman condemned Prestianni's actions as "a disgrace" as it took away from what should have been a celebrated triumph for his side.
"Of course I can't comment too much, it's an ongoing investigation," he began telling Amazon Prime (watch the full segment below). "But it's a disgrace to football, Vini has suffered from this. It’s disgusting.
"It's overshadowed the performance, after such an amazing goal. Vini has been subjected to this a few times in his career, it happened tonight and ruined the night for us as a team. It's a disgrace to football, there's no place for it in football, it's disgusting."
According to UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations (specifically Article 14 on racism and other discriminatory conduct), a player found guilty of racist behavior - such as insulting the human dignity of a person or group on grounds including race, skin color, ethnic origin, etc.- incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches (or a corresponding period of time, or any other appropriate sanction).
This minimum 10-match ban applies across UEFA competitions, including the Champions League, and has been in place since updates in 2013 to strengthen penalties against racism. It is the standard minimum for players or officials committing such offences.