UEFA Issues Official Statement on Controversy in Benfica v Real Madrid

UEFA has confirmed it is reviewing match reports from Tuesday night’s Champions League playoff first leg in Lisbon after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica teenager Gianluca Prestianni. The governing body released a brief statement on Wednesday, saying proceedings will be opened “where issues are reported” and any disciplinary outcomes will be published on its disciplinary website.

The flash-point occurred moments after Vinicius scored the 67th-minute winner in Real’s 1-0 victory. Having been cautioned for his celebration, the Brazilian approached French referee François Letexier and claimed Prestianni, who had his shirt partially covering his mouth, directed a racist insult at him. Letexier immediately triggered the anti-racism protocol, leading to a 10-minute halt in play while officials spoke to both captains and stadium security.

Kylian Mbappé backed his teammate’s version of events, telling the referee he heard the 19-year-old Argentine winger use the word “monkey” five times. Prestianni, making only his third Champions League appearance, denied the accusation, insisting he had been misunderstood.

UEFA’s statement offered no timeline for a decision, concluding: “We have no further information to provide … at this stage.”