Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Junior argues with Benfica’s head coach José Mourinho after scoring the opening objective throughout a Champions League playoff soccer match between SL Benfica and Actual Madrid in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
| Picture Credit score: AP
Actual Madrid has despatched UEFA “all accessible proof” of the alleged racist insult against Vinícius Júnior within the Champions League match towards Benfica.
“Our membership has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism skilled throughout that match,” the membership mentioned on Thursday with out elaborating on the proof.
UEFA appointed a particular investigator on Wednesday (February 18) to collect proof about what occurred in Lisbon in Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica within the first leg of the knockout spherical of the Champions League.
Vinícius accused Benfica participant Gianluca Prestianni of calling him “monkey” after the Brazilian scored the one objective. Prestianni was among the many Benfica gamers upset with Vinícius after the ahead celebrated by the Benfica nook flag.
Prestianni coated his mouth along with his shirt when he allegedly spoke to the Brazilian participant and denied racially abusing Vinícius, who’s Black and has been subjected to repeated racist insults in Spain.
“Actual Madrid appreciates the unanimous help, backing, and affection that our participant Vinicius Jr. has obtained from all areas of the worldwide soccer neighborhood,” the membership mentioned. “Actual Madrid will proceed working, in collaboration with all establishments, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports activities and society.”
Benfica mentioned Prestianni was the sufferer of a “defamation marketing campaign” and welcomed the investigation opened by UEFA on Wednesday, saying it “totally helps and believes the model introduced” by Prestianni.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned on Wednesday he was “shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism” and praised the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol in the course of the match, which was halted for almost 10 minutes on the Stadium of Gentle.
Revealed – February 19, 2026 05:58 pm IST
