Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid condemns cowards following racism incident with Benfica

Vinicius Junior who scored the decisive goal criticised cowards after claiming that Benficas Gianluca Prestianni racially insulted him in Real Madrids 1-0 Champions League play off first leg win in Lisbon on Tuesday.

The match paused for over 10 minutes under the racism protocol when Vinicius alerted French referee Francois Letexier to the supposed insult after a heated exchange with Prestianni.

This occurred shortly after the 25 year old Brazilian netted an exceptional goal that decided the game.

Racists are primarily cowards. They must cover their mouths with their shirts to reveal their frailty Vinicius posted on Instagram alluding to Prestianni who had concealed his mouth using his jersey during their confrontation.

However they enjoy support from those who supposedly must impose penalties he continued noting that the racism protocol resulted in no specific measures against Benficas Argentine midfielder.

Nothing from today should be accepted in my life or that of my family.

I prefer not to comment on such matters particularly after a major triumph when the focus ought to be on Real Madrid yet it is essential.

Vinicius had netted the sole goal of the match in the 50th minute provoking anger from Benfica supporters and certain players by marking his goal in front of the local audience in Lisbon.

Following the dispute with Prestianni Vinicius approached Letexier informing the Frenchman who had cautioned him for his celebration that the Argentine had used mono the Spanish term for monkey.

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho stated that Prestianni rejected the accusation of racial abuse and criticised Vinicius for stirring up Benficas players and fans through his goal celebration.

When you score such a goal you mark it respectfully Mourinho remarked adding that he received a late red card for protesting furiously that Vinicius deserved another yellow.

Something is amiss as wherever Vinicius competes incidents arise consistently.

Its abhorrent

Reals English defender Trent Alexander Arnold described the event as leaving a bitter aftertaste.

Its abhorrent. Todays occurrence shames football and spoilt the evening for the squad he commented.

Real striker Kylian Mbappe urged a ban for Prestianni.

We must not tolerate a player in Europes premier tournament acting this way the French captain informed journalists.

This individual ought not to feature in the Champions League anymore.

Real skipper Federico Valverde expressed pride in Vinicius response given the situation.

I am unaware of his exact words but nearby team mates reported hearing something offensive that he should not have uttered Valverde shared with Movistar.

If you hide your mouth while speaking it indicates you are uttering something improper he noted.

Ultimately I am proud of the colleagues who supported Vini proud of Vini for persisting delivering an outstanding performance and that is what I will recall about him.

Vinicius aged 25 has faced racial slurs from rival supporters multiple times during his spell in Spain.

In June last year four Atletico Madrid ultras got suspended prison terms for suspending a Vinicius effigy from a bridge which authorities classified as a hate crime alongside other judicial rulings.

During May 2023 Vinicius clashed with Valencia spectators at Mestalla stadium after enduring racial slurs.

This has persisted for years. Numerous individuals have battled it Vini stands among those fighters and yet it continues Valverde added.

Certain Benfica fans hurled objects at Real players during the celebration of Viniciuss goal.

The episode ignited fierce disputes between the teams benches with Letexier ejecting a Real staff member.

Following a halt exceeding 10 minutes triggered by Letexier activating the racism protocol the game restarted and Real secured the win with ease.