UEFA is investigating claims of ‘discriminatory behaviour’ against Vinicius

UEFA said on Wednesday it would “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour” after Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during a Champions League match in Lisbon.

The first leg of the play-off match in the knockout phase was halted for more than ten minutes on Tuesday after Vinicius complained to French referee Francois Letexier about the alleged abuse following a confrontation between him and Prestianni.

It came just moments after Brazil international Vinicius scored a sublime goal before picking up a yellow card after celebrating in front of the home crowd at the Estadio da Luz.

READ: Benfica’s Prestianni denies racist insult from Real Madrid’s Vinicius in Champions League match

After arguing with Prestianni, Vinicius ran to the referee and told him that the Argentine midfielder had called him ‘mono’, the Spanish word for monkey.

Twenty-year-old Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt as he appeared to say something to Vinicius, denies racially abusing the Real Madrid star.

Real’s England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident had left a sour taste in his mouth.

«It’s disgusting. What happened tonight is a disgrace to football. It ruined the evening for the team,» he said.

Real striker Kylian Mbappé called for Prestianni to be suspended.

«We cannot accept a player playing in the best league in Europe and behaving like this,» the France captain told reporters.

“This man does not deserve to play in the Champions League again.”

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho lashed out at Vinicius for inciting Benfica players and fans with his celebration.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate it in a respectful way,” said the Portuguese.

Published on February 18, 2026