Prestianni-Vinicius incident highlights grim European racism cases, from Rüdiger to Tchouaméni and Webo | OneFootball

L'Équipe notes the Benfica v Real Madrid play-off first leg, a 0-1 in Lisbon, was briefly halted after possible racist remarks from Gianluca Prestianni towards Vinicius Junior. Referee François Letexier paused the game for a few minutes.

Racism has repeatedly scarred European ties. In February 2015, Chelsea fans shoved a black passenger off a Paris Metro train and sang a racist chant, three received lifetime bans.

On 10 October 2017, Antonio Rüdiger, then at Chelsea, endured monkey chants from Roma supporters, with no follow-up. On 15 March 2018, Zenit Saint Petersburg were ordered to play home European games behind closed doors the next season and fined €50,000 after racist abuse towards RB Leipzig.

In December 2020, PSG v Basaksehir was suspended over an alleged racist remark towards assistant Pierre Webo, resumed the next day with new officials, and Sebastian Coltescu was banned until season’s end, although it was not classified as racist.

In August 2021, Aurélien Tchouaméni was abused after scoring for Monaco at Sparta Prague, he appealed to UEFA, Sparta expressed deep sadness, but no further action followed. In October 2024, FC Twente were fined €83,125 and hit with a partial stadium closure for their next Europa League match, after racist insults aimed at Loum Tchaouna during Twente v Lazio. In November 2025, UEFA fined Atlético Madrid €30,000 after racist behaviour during a 4-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Source: L'Équipe