Benfica probes footage of supporters making monkey gestures

Benfica has launched a probe into two supporters caught on camera apparently directing monkey like gestures towards Real Madrids Vinicius Junior amid their Champions League encounter earlier this week.

In Tuesdays fixture held in Lisbon the Brazilian striker Vinicius pointed fingers at Benficas Argentine playmaker Gianluca Prestianni for racial abuse directed at him.

The 20 year old Prestianni rejects any claim of using a monkey slur against Vinicius while Benfica continues to back their squad member asserting that he has faced unjust slander.

UEFA the overseer of European football has announced plans to examine claims of prejudiced conduct.

Reports from Portuguese outlets on Friday indicated that Benfica started its internal review of the supporters actions.

If these individuals hold club membership status the process might result in their removal a Benfica representative stated to AFP.

Social media footage including a post from ex England star Rio Ferdinand shows two individuals in Benficas red shirts gesturing with arms in a manner resembling monkey mimicry.

Real secured a 1 0 victory in the Champions League qualifier opening round courtesy of a stunning goal from Vinicius.

The initial confrontation involving Vinicius and Prestianni stemmed from the forwards goal celebration which irked Benficas manager Jose Mourinho.

Vinicius and Prestianni who had his mouth obscured by his shirt seemed locked in a prolonged dispute until the Brazilian abruptly approached French official Francois Letexier to file his grievance.

On Thursday Real confirmed they forwarded materials to UEFA backing Vinicius claim.