Real Madrid boss urges Uefa to seize opportunity to ‘fight against racism’ in Vinicius Jr case

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has challenged European football’s governing body to turn rhetoric into reality after forward Vinicius Jr reported being racially abused during last week’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg in Lisbon.

The 25-year-old Brazilian, who scored the match’s only goal in the 50th minute, told referee François Letexier that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed racist language at him shortly after the strike. The game was halted for ten minutes while players briefly left the pitch, and further reports of discriminatory gestures emerged from the Estádio da Luz stands.

Uefa responded by handing the 20-year-old Argentinian a provisional one-match suspension, ruling him out of Wednesday’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu while an ethics and disciplinary inspector conducts a fuller inquiry. Benfica have appealed the ban, and president Rui Costa defended Prestianni at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, insisting the player is “anything but racist” and “being crucified” before any proof has been presented.

Speaking on the eve of the decisive second leg, Arbeloa said the episode offers Uefa an unprecedented chance to demonstrate that anti-racism slogans and pre-match banners translate into meaningful action.

“We are facing a great opportunity to make a significant step forward in the fight against racism,” the coach told reporters at Real Madrid’s training complex. “Uefa has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, and now they have the opportunity not to leave it as just a slogan or a nice banner before matches. I hope they seize this opportunity.”

Vinicius, who was cautioned for celebrating in front of Benfica’s supporters, has endured a torrent of criticism from opposing fans and pundits. Benfica manager José Mourinho suggested the forward’s exuberance incited the crowd, but Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rejected any attempt to link the celebration to the alleged abuse.

“Mourinho is Mourinho and, as a coach, you defend your club and what your player has told you,” Courtois said. “What disappoints me is using Vini’s celebration. He didn’t do anything wrong. He celebrated as many opponents have done against us because when they score against us, the euphoria is double or triple. It’s happened, and we need to move on. We cannot justify an alleged act of racism with a celebration.”

Arbeloa praised Vinicius’s resilience, branding him a “fighter” who will answer with football on the grand stage.

“Vini Junior has always shown great courage and character,” Arbeloa added. “Anyone in his situation, I don’t know how they would react. He has always done so bravely, showing tremendous personality. Tomorrow he will come out to fight and play a great match, showing that he is one of the best players on the planet.”

With Uefa’s investigation ongoing and Benfica’s appeal pending, the spotlight now falls on European football’s authorities to set a precedent in the sport’s ongoing battle against discrimination.