Former Referee Mark Clattenburg Issues Apology Over Racism Comments
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has publicly apologised after facing significant backlash for remarks he made concerning an alleged racist abuse incident involving Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. The controversy unfolded during a Champions League play-off match between Real Madrid and Benfica on 17 February 2026.
Controversial Commentary During Match Stoppage
Clattenburg, serving as a pundit for Amazon Prime during the broadcast, commented live as the match was halted for ten minutes following Vinicius Junior's report of an alleged racist slur from Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. In his commentary, Clattenburg suggested that Vinicius had not helped the situation, stating the player made it difficult for the referee by celebrating his goal instead of returning promptly.
"The problem in this situation is that Vinicius Junior has not helped himself. He has made this difficult for the referee," Clattenburg said. "He scored a wonderful goal and all he has to do is – yes celebrate – but return back. He has made this situation very, very difficult."
Immediate Backlash and Public Apology
Anti-discrimination campaigner Troy Townsend responded swiftly on social media platform X, asserting that Clattenburg "should never be involved in commentary again." Facing mounting criticism, the 50-year-old former referee took to X to issue a formal apology.
"Nothing justifies racism in sport or in life," Clattenburg wrote. "I’m grateful to have a chance to follow-up on last night, I got it wrong, I’m sorry. It was live TV, my job is to respond in the moment and the words I used were clumsy and not right. I’m already learning from this and appreciate my colleagues who covered the situation with class throughout."
UEFA Launches Official Investigation
European football governing body UEFA has confirmed it is reviewing the incident and has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the match. In a statement, UEFA noted that official reports are being examined, and proceedings will be opened where matters are reported, with any disciplinary sanctions to be announced on their website.
The match was halted for 11 minutes under UEFA’s three-step anti-racism protocol after Vinicius interpreted a comment from Prestianni as a racist slur. Real Madrid teammates, including star forward Kylian Mbappe, supported Vinicius, claiming they heard Prestianni make racist remarks.
Player Accounts and Denials
Mbappe called for strong disciplinary action from UEFA, alleging that Prestianni used a racial slur. "He put his shirt down here and said 'monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey'. I heard him say it, and some Benfica players heard him too, and then everything you saw started," Mbappe stated.
In contrast, Prestianni, who was seen covering his mouth with his shirt during the exchange, denied the accusation on his Instagram account, insisting the Brazilian misheard him. "I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players," he wrote.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about racism in football, the responsibilities of commentators, and the effectiveness of anti-discrimination protocols in high-stakes matches.
