Real Madrid CF has confirmed it submitted the findings of its internal probe to UEFA concerning the events that occurred during last Tuesday’s Champions League playoff first leg against SL Benfica.
The match triggered UEFA’s anti-racism protocol after alleged racist abuse aimed at Vinícius Júnior by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.
The Spanish club stated it has provided all reports and available evidence to UEFA as the governing body examines the incident that overshadowed the fixture.
Official statement
In an official release, Real Madrid said it submitted all available material relating to the incidents of February 17 in Lisbon and confirmed its cooperation with the investigation opened by UEFA following what it described as unacceptable racist episodes during the match.
The club also expressed gratitude for the global support shown to Vinícius Jr. and reaffirmed its commitment to working with institutions to eliminate racism, violence and hate from sport and society.
What happened during the match
In the 51st minute, shortly after scoring the decisive goal, Vinícius celebrated near the corner flag with his trademark dance. Objects were then thrown from the stands, prompting referee François Letexier to halt play and call players back toward midfield.
As Vinícius moved away from the corner, he continued celebrating and exchanged words with several opponents, including Prestianni, before being shown a yellow card.
Moments later, according to Vinícius and teammates including Kylian Mbappé, the Benfica player allegedly directed repeated racist insults at him. Mbappé said Prestianni used the term “mono,” or “monkey,” multiple times.
Letexier activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol immediately, stopping play for about 10 minutes and signaling the halt with the X-shaped arm gesture. The stoppage sparked heated confrontations involving players and coaching staff from both teams.
Conflicting accounts
During the exchange, Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey, preventing cameras from clearly capturing what was said. No public audio or video has conclusively confirmed the alleged insult.
The Argentine winger denied the accusation on social media.
“I want to make it clear that I never directed racist insults at Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misunderstood what he believes he heard,” Prestianni wrote. “I have never been racist toward anyone, and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
Vinícius later addressed the incident online after briefly considering whether to continue playing.
“Racists are, above all, cowards,” he said. “They need to hide behind a shirt to show how weak they are. But they are protected by others who supposedly have the obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life. I even received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. It was simply a poorly executed protocol that did nothing. I don’t like being in situations like this, especially after a big win when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
UEFA investigation underway
UEFA has opened a formal investigation, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the referee’s report, match records, witness statements and audiovisual evidence submitted by the clubs, including Real Madrid.
If discriminatory conduct is confirmed, UEFA could impose sanctions ranging from fines and partial stadium closures to lengthy suspensions for any player found guilty.
The probe is expected to proceed swiftly ahead of the decisive second leg, scheduled for February 25 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
