20th February 2026
February 20 – Chelsea FC head coach Liam Rosenior has said that anyone found guilty of racist behaviour in football should be removed from the sport, as UEFA investigates allegations arising from this week’s Champions League fixture in Lisbon.
UEFA has opened investigative proceedings following claims that Real Madrid CF forward Vinicius Junior was racially abused by SL Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during Tuesday’s match. Prestianni denies the allegation – though if found guilty under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, he would face a suspension of at least 10 matches in European competition.
Rosenior, speaking on Thursday, said the threshold for participation in the professional game should be clear.
“If any player, any coach or any manager is found guilty of racism, they shouldn’t be in the game. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
While declining to comment in detail on an ongoing investigation, he added that visible distress from players should not be dismissed lightly. “When you see a player upset how Vinicius Jr was upset, normally they’re upset for a reason.”
The incident has triggered wider debate in Portugal and Spain. Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius had inflamed the crowd with his goal celebration during Madrid’s 1-0 win, although he did not address the specific allegation. Rosenior, who has previously spoken about his own experiences of racial abuse, defended the Brazilian’s right to express himself, arguing that being targeted for something to be proud of carries a particular sting.
Benfica have publicly backed Prestianni, describing what they termed a “defamation campaign” on social media. The club released match footage on X, arguing that from the distance involved it would have been impossible for Madrid players to hear what they claim was said.
Asked more broadly what needs to change, Rosenior framed the issue as extending beyond football. He called for greater accountability in media and on social platforms, arguing that prejudgements based on race, nationality, religion or sexuality continue to shape public discourse. “It’s a wider debate than just football,” he said. “People should be held a lot more accountable.”
West Ham United FC manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who has past links to Benfica’s rivals Porto, also condemned racism unequivocally, stating there is “no space in football or society” for such behaviour.
UEFA’s disciplinary investigation is ongoing.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1771588061labto1771588061ofdlr1771588061owedi1771588061sni@g1771588061niwe.1771588061yrrah1771588061](javascript:;)