Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold started the first leg of the Champions League play‑off in Lisbon, a match Real Madrid won 1-0 against Benfica but which was marred by ugly scenes
Gianluca Prestianni and Vini Jr
Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior
View 3 Images
Trent Alexander‑Arnold says the scenes at Estadio da Luz during Real Madrid's Champions League play‑off against Benfica were a disgrace to football. His team-mate Vini Jr was allegedly subjected to a racist comment from Gianluca Prestianni after scoring a stunning strike which proved to be the winner in the first leg.
The Brazilian, 25, put the Spanish side ahead in Lisbon with a stunning goal and celebrated in front of the Benfica supporters. Moments later, however, he was approached by referee Francois Letexier and shown a yellow card.
Prestianni then exchanged words with Vini, with the winger reporting an alleged incident of racism to the referee. The game was brought to a halt in line with UEFA protocols, which led to Vinicius heading over to the Madrid bench.
Benfica manager and former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho approached Vini to understand what had happened, and the pair exchanged words before the game resumed more than 10 minutes later. Loud jeers and boos from the home crowd were then heard every time Vini touched the ball.
Speaking about the incident after the game, Alexander-Arnold was disappointed by how things unfolded in Portugal.
"Of course I can't comment too much, it's ongoing investigation," he began telling Amazon Prime. "But it's a disgrace to football, Vini has suffered from this, it’s disgusting.
Jose Mourinho and Vini Jr
Tensions flared in Lisbon following an alleged comment directed at Vini Jr
View 3 Images
"It's overshadowed the performance, after such an amazing goal. Vini has been subjected to this a few times in his career, it's 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.
"Obviously, it's upsetting. We come here to do a job, we enjoy what we do.
Vini Jr and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Vini Jr and Trent Alexander-Arnold
View 3 Images
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
"When something like that happens, it ruins it, it takes the fun out of the game. We'll stick together as a team, as you saw tonight."
With UEFA set to investigate the incident, the right‑back added: "That's out of my hands. It's a difficult situation. The referee said 'It seemed like he said whatever he did say, he said it with his shirt over his mouth.'
"It's difficult, but hopefully there is justice involved. There is no place for it in football and society."
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings