Benfica back player accused of using racial slur at Real's Vinicius Jr

Portuguese soccer club Benfica on Wednesday expressed their support for Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni who was accused of using a racial slur against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during Tuesday’s Champions League playoff first-leg.

Europe’s soccer governing body UEFA said an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate the allegations of discriminatory behaviour levelled by Real Madrid.

Vinicius’ repeated targeting with racist abuse has become a central test for Spanish soccer, with several high-profile incidents involving fans from rival teams over the years.

TV footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt – a common move by players or coaches to prevent anyone reading their lips – while making a comment that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur against the 25-year-old Brazilian.

The incident caused the match to be suspended for 11 minutes as the referee activated the anti-racism protocol at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica lost 1-0 after a second-half goal from Vinicius, who was booked for his celebration in front of the home fans.

“Together by your side,” Benfica posted on its official X account, attaching a quote Prestianni had shared on Instagram.

The Lisbon club later uploaded a video which it said proved Real Madrid players were unable to hear what Prestianni said due to their distance from the Argentine winger.

“I’d like to clarify that at no point did I make racist insults towards Vinicius Jr, who sadly misunderstood what he thinks he heard,” Prestianni said in his Instagram story.

“I’ve never been racist toward anyone and I deplore the threats I received by Real Madrid players.”

Anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out said focusing on Vinicius’s goal celebration instead of acknowledging the report was a “form of gaslighting” after Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said he thought Vinicius incited the crowd.

“This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations,” Kick It Out said.

However, Mourinho added that he did not know which of the two versions to believe.

Former Benfica captain Anderson Luis da Silva – better known as Luisao – defended Vinicius, saying on Instagram that he was ashamed by what he described as Prestianni’s “racist act”.

Luisao, who is also from Brazil, said Prestianni’s denial made everything worse “because it’s a lie”, adding Benfica players needed to behave to deserve to wear the club’s jersey.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “shocked and saddened” to see the incident of alleged racism but commended referee Francois Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol.

“There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society – we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account,” Infantino said in a statement.