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Match suspended after Vinicius alleges racist incident
Real Madrid's Champions League knockout play-off against Benfica in Lisbon was paused for 10 minutes on Tuesday after forward Vinícius Júnior reported遭遇种族歧视, prompting the entire team to walk off the pitch.
What unfolded on the field
The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius scored the opening goal in the 50th minute at Estádio da Luz. The Brazilian was booked for an exuberant celebration before clashing with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Vinícius immediately approached referee François Letexier, gesturing toward the Argentine winger and signaling an allegation of racial abuse.
Letexier responded with FIFA's crossed-arms gesture-introduced in May 2024 to denote reported racism-before halting play. Real Madrid players followed Vinícius off the field, returning only after a 10-minute delay. The match resumed in the 60th minute and ended 1-0 to Madrid, despite 12 minutes of added time during which Vinícius was struck by an object thrown from the stands.
Statements and denials
In a post-match Instagram statement, Vinícius condemned the incident as part of a recurring pattern. "Racists are cowards," he wrote. "They hide behind anonymity to show their weakness. Yet they remain protected by those who should punish them. Today's protocol was poorly executed and served no purpose."
Prestianni denied the accusation, calling it a "regrettable misunderstanding." The 20-year-old stated: "At no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius. I've never been racist toward anyone and regret the threats I've received from Real Madrid players."
UEFA's racism protocol
The governing body's three-step procedure, established in 2009, empowers referees to stop matches, issue stadium announcements, and ultimately abandon games if racist behavior persists. Tuesday's suspension fell under the second step, which mandates a 5-10 minute halt and player withdrawal. Security assessments determine whether a match can continue.
Vinícius's history of abuse
The 25-year-old has faced repeated racial abuse throughout his career in Spain. In May 2025, five individuals received suspended prison sentences for abusing him during a 2022 match against Real Valladolid-the first such conviction in Spanish football. Other incidents include:
- September 2022: Atlético Madrid condemned chants targeting Vinícius before a derby.
- January 2023: Four men were fined €60,000 and banned from stadiums for two years after hanging an effigy of Vinícius near Real Madrid's training ground.
- May 2023: Vinícius was sent off for violent conduct after enduring racist abuse at Valencia.
- June 2024: Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing him in May 2023.
- November 2024: Real Madrid issued a one-year stadium ban and fine to a minor for racial abuse during a match against Rayo Vallecano.
Reactions and next steps
UEFA has not yet commented on the Benfica incident. The governing body's disciplinary committee will review the referee's report and any additional evidence. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are expected to file an official complaint, as they have in previous cases involving Vinícius.
