Kylian Mbappe has publicly accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr during a high-stakes Champions League play-off match. The alleged incident occurred on Tuesday, leading to a significant 11-minute stoppage in the first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid, enforced under Fifa's stringent anti-racism protocols.
Details of the Alleged Racist Incident
According to Mbappe, he distinctly heard Prestianni call Vinicius a "monkey" during the heated encounter. This accusation has sparked a major controversy in the football world, with Prestianni firmly denying the claims. The Benfica player asserts that Vinicius misunderstood his words, though specific details of what was said have not been disclosed by either side.
Vinicius Jr's Response and Criticism
Vinicius Jr, who has been vocal about racism in football previously, did not hold back in his reaction. He criticised the anti-racism protocol implemented during the match, stating it served "no purpose" and labelling racists as "cowards". His comments highlight ongoing frustrations with how such incidents are handled in the sport, despite established measures aimed at combating discrimination.
Uefa's Investigation and Upcoming Match
In response to the allegations, Uefa has officially launched an investigation into the alleged racist abuse. This probe comes at a critical time, with the two teams scheduled to meet again for the second leg of the Champions League play-off next week. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for both players and the clubs involved, potentially influencing disciplinary actions or further protocol reviews.
The incident underscores persistent issues with racism in football, even at elite levels like the Champions League. As the sport grapples with these challenges, the spotlight remains on how governing bodies like Uefa and Fifa address such cases to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
