Friday, February 20, 2026-The aftermath of a tense UEFA Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica has sparked controversy both on and off the pitch after an alleged racist abuse incident involving Brazilian forward Vinícius Jr.
The match in Lisbon was paused for nearly ten minutes when Vinícius reported to the referee that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni had directed a racist slur at him after he scored. The suspension triggered FIFA and UEFA anti‑racism protocols, highlighting how seriously such claims are treated in elite football.
Instead of unequivocally condemning the allegation, Benfica manager José Mourinho drew sharp criticism for suggesting Vinícius’s goal celebration had “incited” players, fans, and the sequence of events that followed. Mourinho stated that Vinícius should have celebrated differently and implied that his actions may have contributed to the reaction from the home side.
He also defended his club against accusations of racism, pointing to legendary Black players in its history as evidence of its character. Critics, including anti‑discrimination advocates and former players, called Mourinho’s remarks inappropriate and counterproductive, accusing him of deflecting from the seriousness of the abuse allegation.
The incident has ignited a broader debate on racism in football, with calls for stronger institutional responses and clearer condemnation from coaches and clubs. UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the alleged discriminatory behaviour, and Real Madrid has provided evidence to support its case.
While Prestianni denies using racist language, Vinícius has publicly condemned racist behaviour as cowardly and unacceptable. The situation underscores ongoing efforts to tackle racism in sport, even as personalities and narratives around high-profile matches complicate the path to resolution.
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