Prestianni-Vinicius incident explained after Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid racism claims | OneFootball

Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid was briefly halted after alleged racist abuse by Gianluca Prestianni towards Vinicius Junior. According to L'Équipe, the incident triggered FIFA's anti-racism protocol and stopped play for eight minutes, overshadowing Madrid's play-off first leg win in Lisbon.

Vinicius had put Madrid ahead on 50 minutes and was booked for his celebration. As Benfica prepared to restart, Prestianni covered his mouth while addressing him, Vinicius alerted referee François Letexier and the game was paused. José Mourinho was sent off, and Prestianni was later booked on 78 minutes for simulation.

Kylian Mbappé said Benfica's number 25 repeatedly used a slur likening Vinicius to a monkey five times and argued such behaviour has no place in the Champions League, adding he heard it and that some Benfica players did too.

Vinicius posted that racists hide behind shirts, benefit from protection by those obliged to punish and that a poorly executed protocol achieved nothing. Prestianni denied racism, said Vinicius misheard, insisted he has never been racist and complained of threats from Madrid players. Aurélien Tchouaméni said Prestianni told Madrid players he had used a homophobic insult.

Benfica later shared a stands video arguing Madrid players were too far away to hear, though the clip shows Eduardo Camavinga close and Mbappé nearby. Match reports were being reviewed on Wednesday under UEFA oversight, its rules set a minimum 10-match ban for racist conduct, and an inspector was appointed to investigate the allegations.

Source: L'Équipe