Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off at Benfica was suspended for 10 minutes on Tuesday after star forward Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse, leading his teammates off the pitch in protest.
The incident unfolded in the 50th minute at the Estadio da Luz.
Shortly after scoring the game’s only goal, Vinicius was involved in a heated exchange with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.
Following the interaction, Vinicius alerted referee Francois Letexier, who performed the FIFA-approved “crossed arms” gesture to signal racist abuse to the stadium.
Following the report, the Real Madrid squad left the field. Play resumed 10 minutes later after the first stage of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was activated.
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory, despite Vinicius being struck by an object thrown from the crowd during 12 minutes of stoppage time.
On Instagram, Vinicius labeled racists “cowards” and criticized the “poorly executed protocol,” while Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis defended Prestianni, citing a “heated rivalry” rather than discrimination.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) praised Vinicius for his “courage and dignity.” This latest incident follows a string of high-profile legal battles in Spain, where fans have recently received prison sentences for racially abusing the 25-year-old.
UEFA is expected to review the referee’s report before deciding on disciplinary action against Benfica or Prestianni.
