UEFA Investigates Allegations of Racism in Champions League Clash

omidbasir- A knockout phase play-off between Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid and Portuguese club Benfica faced a 10-minute interruption early in the second half. Vinicius Jr. had opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a stunning shot from inside the penalty area that found the top corner.

Following his goal, celebrations in front of disgruntled home supporters led to an initial confrontation between players from both clubs. Vinicius was left bewildered when he received a yellow card for his celebrations. After returning to the halfway line, he approached match referee Francois Letexier before play resumed, claiming he had experienced racial abuse.

The match officials adhered to UEFA protocols, pausing the game amidst heated exchanges and discussions. Following the conclusion of the match, UEFA announced an investigation into the events that transpired.

An official statement from UEFA read: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

Real Madrid has played a significant role in the inquiry, making every effort to assist UEFA. In a statement on their official website, the club noted: “Real Madrid C. F. announces that today it has submitted all available evidence to UEFA regarding the incidents that occurred last Tuesday, February 17, during the Champions League match our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica.

“Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match. Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global football community. Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society.”

Vinicius, who has faced racist abuse throughout his tenure at Santiago Bernabéu, expressed his feelings in a poignant statement: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.

“Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life. 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 to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”

Contrarily, Prestianni refuted Vinicius’s claims in a social media statement, asserting: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”

In conjunction with UEFA, the Portuguese government, through the Authority for the Prevention and Fight against Violence in Sport (APCVD), has announced that it will conduct its own investigation. Any potential sanctions will be disclosed once all necessary processes and documentation have been finalized.