Real Madrid sends UEFA ‘available evidence’ of alleged racist insult against Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid has sent UEFA “all available evidence” of the alleged racist insult against Vinicius Junior in the Champions League match against Benfica.

“Our club actively cooperated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable instances of racism during that match,” the club said on Thursday, without commenting on the evidence.

UEFA appointed a special investigator on Wednesday to gather evidence about what happened in Lisbon in Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League knockout round.

Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him ‘monkey’ after the Brazilian scored the only goal. Prestianni was among the Benfica players angry with Vinicius after the striker was feted by the Benfica corner flag.

Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt as he reportedly spoke to the Brazilian player and denied racially abusing Vinícius, who is black and has suffered repeated racial abuse in Spain.

“Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, support and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all sections of the global football community,” the club said. “Real Madrid, in collaboration with all institutions, will continue to work to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and society.”

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Benfica said Prestianni was the victim of a “smear campaign” and welcomed the investigation opened by UEFA on Wednesday, saying it “fully supports and believes the version presented by Prestianni.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday he was “shocked and saddened by the incident of alleged racism” and praised the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol during the match, which was stopped for almost ten minutes at the Stadium of Light.

Published on February 19, 2026