Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe have accused Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni of racism towards the former during their Champions League clash last night.
Mbappe said (via Teledeporte): “Prestianni clearly called Vini Jr a monkey – it happened five times”.
“I saw that. UEFA have the best cameras, now we wait. This is not acceptable. It’s not my kind of human being.
“Benfica are a top club, nothing against them, but Prestianni should never play in the Champions League anymore.”
Los Blancos went to Benfica for the first leg of their play-off, hoping to book a place in the round of 16.
Vinicius gave Real Madrid the lead just after the half-time break, curling in a fantastic strike followed by an exuberant celebration.
The referee Francois Letexier brandished a yellow card for Vinicius as Prestianni ran towards him. He pulled his shirt over his mouth before saying something to the Madrid striker.
Vinicius then approached the referee, who crossed his arms in front of his face, triggering FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and halting the match temporarily.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho tried to console the winger, but he wasn’t having it. He left the field for a while.
A member of the Benfica coaching staff received a red card during the incident, and Mourinho picked up one for a separate incident.
Vinicius eventually returned to the pitch after 10 minutes, although that didn’t stop the booing and object-throwing.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up took to his Instagram to call the fans ‘cowards’, while Mourinho spoke about him needing to be more respectful with his celebrations.
Mourinho also accused the referee of holding a note stating that Madrid players at risk of missing the second leg could not be shown a card.
The incidents overshadowed a pulsating game of football.
