Mbappe Accuses Benfica Star of Racist Abuse in Champions League Clash
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has publicly stated that he heard Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abuse his teammate Vinicius Jr during a tense Champions League play-off first leg. The incident occurred at the Estadio Da Luz and resulted in the match being halted for 11 minutes after referee Francois Letexier activated Fifa's anti-racism protocols.
Match Halted Amid Allegations
The controversy erupted in the aftermath of Vinicius Jr's sublime second-half goal, which secured a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid. Television footage showed Prestianni, a 20-year-old Argentina international, holding his shirt over his mouth during an exchange with the Brazilian forward. Vinicius reacted furiously, appearing to label Prestianni a "racist" after speaking to the match official.
Despite the stoppage, play eventually resumed with Prestianni remaining on the field. Throughout the remainder of the game, home fans loudly booed and jeered Vinicius Jr, creating a hostile atmosphere. Uefa has since confirmed it is reviewing the incident and has opened proceedings, which could lead to disciplinary sanctions.
Mbappe's Detailed Account
Speaking to reporters post-match, Mbappe provided a detailed narrative of the events. "Vinicius scored, and what a goal. He celebrated. Then the fans booed. These things happen, they happen, and they will happen in football," the French star began.
He continued, "Then there was a tense moment with the Benfica players. It's best if things don't escalate further, but that's also possible, because, as you know, it's the Champions League, the best club competition in the world."
Mbappe then made the serious allegation: "There was player No 25 (Prestianni) from Benfica – I don't want to mention his name, he doesn't deserve it – who started speaking rudely and saying insults. That's also unacceptable, but it happens in football and it will always happen. Then 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."
Conflicting Statements and Fallout
In a social media statement, Vinicius Jr expressed his frustration, asserting that the anti-racism protocol served "no purpose." He added, "Racists are above all cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to show how weak they are … I don't like appearing in situations like this, especially after a great victory when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary."
Prestianni, considered one of Argentina's most promising talents who joined Benfica from Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield on his 18th birthday, has vehemently denied the allegations. "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard," he stated. "I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players."
Uefa Investigation and Upcoming Fixture
Uefa released an official statement noting, "The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage."
The two teams are scheduled to meet again for the second leg next Wednesday at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium. The fallout from this incident is likely to overshadow the sporting contest, with heightened scrutiny on player conduct and Uefa's response to racism allegations.
