Real Madrid CF announced it has handed over all available evidence to UEFA amid an ongoing disciplinary investigation into alleged racist abuse against forward Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday’s Champions League knockout play-off against Benfica.
The Brazil international alerted referee Francois Letexier to racial slurs from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni following his goal celebration, prompting a 10-minute match halt under UEFA protocols before play resumed, with Vinícius completing the fixture.
In a club statement, Real Madrid confirmed full cooperation, thanking global football for supporting their player and pledging continued efforts with institutions to eliminate racism, violence, and hatred in sport and society.
Vinícius vented on Instagram, decrying racists as “cowards” shielded by inaction, questioning his yellow card for celebrating, and dismissing the protocol as ineffective amid recurring abuse in his career.
Prestianni denied the claims on social media, while Benfica decried a “smear campaign”; coach Jose Mourinho faced backlash from Kick It Out for “gaslighting” comments to Amazon Prime, insisting on independence and noting incidents “always” occur in Vinícius’ matches.
UEFA opened the probe on February 19, with investigations continuing as anti-racism scrutiny intensifies in European football.
