UEFA have released an official statement regarding the alleged racist abuse that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr suffered during the Champions League playoff clash against Benfica.
The Brazil superstar scored a stunning goal in the second half, which handed Madrid a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their game on Tuesday night, but the game was marred by an alleged racist comment by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during his celebrations.
Vini Jr was seen sprinting over to the referee to report the abuse, which led to the game being suspended for 10 minutes while tempers flared, with several Madrid players speaking out after the game to claim that the Argentine had called him a 'monkey'.
UEFA Release Statement After Vini Jr Racial Abuse
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior with teammates as the match was stopped due to racist chants
Vinicius Jr walked off the pitch following the abuse, and his teammates soon followed, before the game continued.
Prestianni has denied the allegations made against him, while Benfica boss Jose Mourinho refused to pick a side, although he admitted that he felt Vinicius Jr antagonised the crowd and players with his celebrations. The 25-year-old was booked for his celebration by the referee Francois Letexier.
But UEFA have now spoken out about the incident, and insisted that an investigation will be launched if it is included in the referee's report.
"The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed.
"Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website.
"We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage."
This is not the first time that Vinicius Jr has been at the centre of a racism storm during his career, with the player infamously abused by fans across Spain in recent years, which led to the 'Baila Vini' hashtag going viral on social media in support of the forward.
Mbappe Calls for Permanent Ban for Prestianni
Vinicius Jr alleges he was racially abused
Vinicius Jr alleges he was racially abused
One of the players on the pitch backing Vinicius Jr was strike partner Kylian Mbappe, who has called for a permanent ban for Prestianni following his comments.
The France captain revealed that he walked off the field after a request from the Brazil star, and Mbappe has insisted that the accused should never play in the Champions League again after what he said, which he says he heard himself.
Benfica have disputed this claim, however, even posting footage on their official X account that shows Mbappe wasn't near the two players involved in the incident at the time.
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