Vinicius Jr racism incident in Benfica vs. Real Madrid: Explaining alleged abuse in Champions League playoff originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The much-anticipated Champions League playoff clash between Benfica and Real Madrid was plunged into controversy amid ugly scenes after halftime of the first leg at Estadio da Luz.
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Vinicius Jr. gave Madrid the lead in spectacular fashion but the match devolved shortly after. During his goal celebration, objects were thrown at the Brazil international, and Vini was booked by the referee for his actions as he danced provocatively up against the corner flag.
This angered the Benfica players who were unhappy with the celebration, which occurred right in front of the Benfica supporters. In the ensuing melee involving players from both sides, an incident of alleged racist abuse was then reported by the match referee.
Here’s everything we know about the incident. The Sporting News will provide updates and developments after the match.
MORE: ‘No racism’ gesture in soccer: Explaining FIFA’s cross-arm ‘X’ signal used in La Liga and Champions League
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What happened with Vinicius in Benfica vs. Real Madrid?
In the 50th minute, Vinicius cut inside Amar Dedic and fired a sensational shot beyond Trubin and into the far corner.
He ran away in celebration, cupping his ear to the Benfica crown before dancing at the corner flag in front of a booing and jeering section of the home support. Some objects were thrown towards Vinicius and the celebrating group of Madrid players.
The Brazil forward then broke from the huddle and pumped his fist in the direction of the home supporters again. At that point, referee François Letexier beckoned Vinicius away from the stands and veteran Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi confronted the goalscorer.
Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid
Vinicius continued to revel in the moment in an arguably inflammatory fashion. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni confronted him at which point Vinicus was booked. Gianluca Prestianni then said something to Vinicius with his shirt covering his mouth. After this, tempers clearly flared on the Madrid side. Kylian Mbappe was among those angered, and team-mate Antonio Rudiger sought to calm the France forward.
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Next, Vinicius ran towards Letexier and seemingly gestured in Prestianni’s direction. At that point, the referee made the crossed arms signal above his head to indicate an incident of racist abuse had been reported. At that stage, arguments between the players continued and members of the coaching staff entered the field.
One of the Real Madrid backroom team was sent off in the immediate aftermath. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho talked to Vinicius, their arms around one another’s backs. Vinicius spoke into the Benfica coach’s ear before Mbappe came to join the conversation.
Vincius took some time sitting away from the fracas on the Madrid bench but rejoined his team-mates when the match resumed after a 10-minute delay.
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Before fulltime, Mourinho was sent off for berating Letexier over an unrelated matter, shown a second yellow card which likely sees him suspended for the return leg at the Bernabeu.
More to follow
