Alexander-Arnold hits out at 'disgusting' alleged Vinicius racism
Trent Alexander-Arnold condemned the "disgusting" alleged racist remarks aimed at his teammate Vinicius Junior, who netted a stunning goal that secured Real Madrid a vital 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League play-off against Benfica on Tuesday.
The match halted for over 10 minutes under the racism protocol following Vinicius's claim that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni had subjected him to racial abuse.
"It's disgusting. What occurred tonight is a shame for the sport. It spoiled the evening for the squad," remarked the ex-Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold.
The Brazilian striker had just found the net in the 50th minute, which drew the anger of Benfica supporters and certain players by his provocative celebration before the home fans in Lisbon.
Following a dispute with Prestianni, Vinicius approached referee Francois Letexier and informed the French official, who had cautioned him for his goal celebration, that the Argentine had referred to him as "mono", the Spanish term for monkey.
French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni verified post-match that Vinicius alleged he had been called a monkey.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho stated that Prestianni rejected the accusation of racial abuse towards Vinicius and criticised the Brazilian for stirring up Benfica's players and supporters with his celebration.
"When you score such a goal, you should celebrate respectfully," commented Mourinho, who received a late red card for vehemently arguing that Vinicius deserved another yellow.
"Something is amiss since this occurs in every venue where Vinicius features, incidents always arise."
He said something ugly
Real Madrid skipper Federico Valverde expressed pride in Vinicius's composure amid the situation.
"I am unaware of exactly what he (Prestianni) uttered, yet nearby teammates mentioned he spoke something offensive, something inappropriate," Valverde shared with Movistar.
Prestianni had concealed his mouth using his jersey prior to the confrontation that upset Vinicius.
"Covering your mouth when speaking implies you are voicing something negative," Valverde added.
"Ultimately, I am proud of the colleagues who supported Vini, proud of Vini for persisting, delivering an outstanding performance, and that is the legacy I will take from him."
Vinicius, aged 25, has faced racial harassment multiple times during his stint in Spain from rival supporters.
Four Atletico Madrid ultras received suspended prison terms in June last year for suspending a Vinicius effigy from a bridge, classified by authorities as a "hate crime", alongside various other legal convictions.
In May 2023, Vinicius confronted spectators at Valencia's Mestalla ground after enduring racial slurs.
"It has occurred repeatedly, and now I believe that abandoning the field is not a choice the sport as entertainment would favour, though the individual who uttered the improper remark has also damaged the show," Valverde noted when questioned about whether his side should have left the pitch.
Certain Benfica fans hurled objects at Real players during the celebration of Vinicius's strike.
The episode triggered heated exchanges between the coaching staffs, with Letexier issuing a red to a Real coaching team member.
Following a pause exceeding 10 minutes, triggered by Letexier's activation of the racism protocol, play restarted, allowing Real to hold on for the triumph with ease.