UEFA has opened an investigation into allegations of racism made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during Tuesday night's Champions League match. The game was halted for ten minutes by referee Francois Letexier after Vinicius claimed he was subjected to racial abuse.
Both sets of players left the pitch shortly after Vinicius had given Real Madrid the lead. Prestianni and Benfica have denied the allegations, but UEFA will review video footage and speak to both players as part of their inquiry.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was 'shocked and saddened' by the incident, calling for those responsible to be held to account and face serious punishment if found guilty. 'There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society,' Infantino stated, commending the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol.
Vinicius Jr took to social media to describe racists as 'cowards', adding that they 'have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them'. The Brazilian also expressed confusion over receiving a yellow card for celebrating his goal, calling the protocol 'poorly executed'.
