Vinicius Jr racism row: Benfica star’s ‘threats’ declare as membership launch video of incident

Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni has denied he racially abused Real Madrid ace Vinicius Jr in the Champions League as the Portuguese club released new footage of the alleged incident

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Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni has refuted allegations of racism towards Vinicius Junior, insisting the Real Madrid winger “misinterpreted” his words.

The Champions League play-off first leg between the two clubs was brought to a standstill on Tuesday evening after Vinicius Jr reported alleged racist abuse to the match official. Vinicius had given Real a 1-0 advantage in the 50th minute at the Estadio da Luz before receiving a yellow card for over-exuberant dancing celebrations in front of the home supporters, who hurled objects in his direction.

Just as the game was set to resume, Vinicius Jr approached referee Francois Letexier to report that he had suffered racial abuse. The Brazilian forward pointed the finger at Argentina’s Prestianni for allegedly making racist remarks towards him near the centre circle and departed the pitch with his team-mates following behind.

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Play was halted for 10 minutes before resuming, with Real securing a 1-0 victory, reports the Mirror. Vinicius Jr subsequently shared a statement on social media declaring: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.

“But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened here is new in my life or my family’s. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal.

“I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don’t like appearing in situations like this, especially after a great victory when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”

Prestianni also took to social media, posting: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at the player Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thought he heard.

“I have never been racist and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.” Benfica shared the statement with the message: “Together, by your side.”

The Portuguese giants also took the step of releasing footage of the incident captured from the touchline, which showed Prestianni pulling his shirt over his face before appearing to speak in Vinicius Jr’s direction.

The club presented this as purported proof that Vinicius Jr’s colleagues couldn’t have overheard what was allegedly said, despite Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe being nearby.

Benfica stated: “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard.”

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Their remarks mirrored those of manager Jose Mourinho, who blamed Vinicius Jr for provoking the crowd with his celebration and insisted Benfica is not a racist club. He told Amazon Prime: “I saw two completely different things.

“I want to be independent, and I don’t comment about it. I told him [Vinicius] exactly that. I told him [Vinicius] – when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.

“When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.

“If in his mind there was something in relation to that – this in Benfica. They [Vinicius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”

The 63-year-old former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager then suggested there was drama surrounding Vinicius Jr at “every stadium” he visits. He said: “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium.

“Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always. I’m saying that it was a good 50 minutes of football, millions of people watching around the world, a crazy goal absolutely crazy goal and then game over.”

Vinicius Jr received backing from his Real Madrid team-mates. Trent Alexander-Arnold said: “Vini’s been subjected to this a few times throughout his career and for it to happen tonight and ruin the night for us as a team is a disgrace.”

“Like I said, it’s a disgrace to football. There’s no place for it in football or society. It’s disgusting.”