Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that Vinicius Junior will have the power to decide whether the team abandons their Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica, following an alleged racist incident in the first match. Vinicius reported that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him during the game in Lisbon, prompting UEFA to hand Prestianni a provisional suspension.
Courtois stated: 'In the end, it's Vinicius who decides whether we play again because if he says no, we'll consider abandoning the pitch. And then it's up to the UEFA officials to decide what happens with the match.' The Belgian goalkeeper added that the team would stand behind the Brazilian and walk off if necessary.
Prestianni has denied any wrongdoing, and Benfica president Rui Costa has backed the Argentine, saying: 'Benfica stand united behind Prestianni - he is our player. Prestianni is not a racist, yet he is being punished as if he were one.' Benfica are appealing the suspension in an attempt to allow Prestianni to play in the second leg.
UEFA's investigation continues, with Prestianni facing a possible 10-match ban if found guilty. Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa called for a strong punishment to combat racism, saying: 'We have an opportunity to strike a real blow against racism. UEFA has always championed this fight and now has the chance to make a difference.'
Vinicius also spoke out on Instagram after the incident: 'Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish them.' He criticised the protocol that led to him receiving a yellow card for celebrating a goal.
