Tensions flared on a dramatic European night February 17 as allegations of racist abuse overshadowed Real Madrid’s hard-fought 1-0 , victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.
The match at the iconic Estadio da Luz was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni to referee François Letexier.
In a powerful show of unity, Vinicius and his Real Madrid team-mates briefly walked off the pitch.
For Vinicius who has endured repeated racist incidents throughout his career the moment was painfully familiar.
Later, in a pointed Instagram post, the Brazilian forward declared: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”
Alexander-Arnold: ‘Adisgrace to football’
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold did not hold back in his condemnation.
“What happened tonight is a disgrace to football,” he said.
“It overshadowed not only our performance but an incredible goal. There is no place for this not in football, not in society. It’s disgusting.”
His words captured the frustration of many who felt that yet another extraordinary sporting moment had been tainted by racism.
Mourinho’s comments spark backlash
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, however, found himself at the centre of controversy after suggesting Vinicius had not celebrated his decisive goal “in a respectful way.”
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” Mourinho said.
“When Vinicius plays, something always happens.”
He added that Benfica a club once represented by the legendary Eusebio could not be racist, and implied that Vinicius may have incited the crowd with his celebration.
The remarks drew swift criticism.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf described Mourinho’s comments as a “big mistake.”
“We should never, ever justify racial abuse,” Seedorf said.
“It sounded like he was suggesting that if someone provokes you, racism is somehow understandable. That is completely wrong.”
Former England forward Theo Walcott echoed the sentiment, saying it may have been “the one night Mourinho should not have been in front of the cameras.”
Mbappé calls for action
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe went even further, urging decisive consequences if the allegations are proven.
“In my opinion, this player does not deserve to play in the Champions League anymore,” Mbappé said. “We cannot accept this behaviour in Europe’s top competition.”
He called on UEFA to act swiftly, stressing that such cases must not drag on for months.
Henry: “You feel alone”
Speaking on CBS, former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry reflected on his own experiences with racism.
“I can relate to what Vinicius is going through,” Henry said. “When it’s your word against his, you can feel very alone. Let’s see how big of a man Prestianni is tell us what you said.”
What happens next?
With the second leg set for Madrid next week, attention now shifts to UEFA’s investigation. The football world waits to see whether firm action will follow strong words.
For Vinicius, however, the broader issue remains painfully unresolved: how many more brilliant nights must be overshadowed before racism is truly eradicated from the game?
