Real Madrid delivers all available evidence to UEFA amid its disciplinary investigation into racism allegations leveled by forward Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian player reported racial abuse from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League knockout play-off match in Lisbon.

The Incident Unfolds

Vinicius Junior alerted referee Francois Letexier to the alleged abuse during Tuesday’s clash. The game paused for 10 minutes per UEFA protocol after the forward’s goal celebration, which earned him a yellow card.

UEFA confirms it opened the probe following the disturbing events.

Real Madrid’s Official Response

The club states it has fully cooperated by providing UEFA with comprehensive evidence from the February 17 match against Benfica. “Real Madrid CF announces that it has today provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred on Tuesday, February 17, during the Champions League match that our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica,” the statement reads.

Real Madrid highlights its active role in UEFA’s investigation into the unacceptable racism. The club expresses thanks for global football support toward Vinicius Junior and pledges ongoing efforts with institutions to eliminate racism, violence, and hatred in sports and society.

Post-Match Reactions

Vinicius Junior posts on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have protection from others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and my family’s. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. Still not understanding why. On the other side, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.”

Prestianni denies any racist remarks toward Vinicius on his Instagram. Benfica condemns a “defamation campaign” against the player.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho faces backlash from anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, which labels his comments “gaslighting.” Mourinho tells Amazon Prime: “I told (Vinicius), when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. They (Vinicius and Prestianni) told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.” He adds that “something happens, always” in matches involving Vinicius.