UEFA opens probe into ‘discriminatory behaviour’ towards Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr

Published February 18, 2026
Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior fights for the ball with SL Benfica’s Argentine forward #25 Gianluca Prestianni during the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off first leg football match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Feb 17, 2026. — AFP
Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior fights for the ball with SL Benfica’s Argentine forward #25 Gianluca Prestianni during the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off first leg football match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Feb 17, 2026. — AFP

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) said on Wednesday it would “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour” after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during a Champions League match in Lisbon.

Tuesday’s first leg of the knockout phase play-off tie was stopped for more than 10 minutes after Vinicius complained to French referee Francois Letexier about the alleged abuse following a confrontation between him and Prestianni.

That came just moments after Brazil international Vinicius scored a sublime goal before picking up a yellow card after celebrating in front of the home crowd at the Estadio da Luz.

After arguing with Prestianni, Vinicius ran over to the referee and told him that he had been called “mono” — the Spanish word for monkey — by the Argentine midfielder.

The 20-year-old Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt as he appeared to say something to Vinicius, denies racially abusing the Real Madrid star.

Real’s England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident had left a sour taste in the mouth.

“It’s disgusting. What’s happened tonight is a disgrace for football. It’s ruined the night for the team,” he said.

Real forward Kylian Mbappe called on Prestianni to be banned.

“We cannot accept there’s a player playing in Europe’s best competition and behaving like this,” the France captain told reporters.

“This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League again.”

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho hit out at Vinicius for inciting Benfica’s players and fans with his celebration.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,” said the Portuguese.

Opinion

Editorial

More stabilisation
Updated 23 May, 2026

More stabilisation

The stabilisation achieved through painful growth compression steps could have been used as a platform for structural reforms.
Appalling tactics
23 May, 2026

Appalling tactics

IN Punjab, an encounter with the law can quickly turn deadly. Encouraged by a culture of ‘shoot first, ask...
Failed experiment
23 May, 2026

Failed experiment

IT is going from bad to worse for Shan Masood and Pakistan. It is now seven successive Test defeats away from home;...
Hardening lines
Updated 22 May, 2026

Hardening lines

Iranian suspicions about Pakistan’s close ties with Washington and Gulf states persist, while Pakistan remains uneasy over Tehran’s growing engagement with India.
Unliveable city
22 May, 2026

Unliveable city

IN Karachi, when it comes to water, it is every man and woman for themselves. A persistent shortage in available...
Glof alert
22 May, 2026

Glof alert

FOR many communities in northern Pakistan, the sound of heavy rain now carries a different meaning. It is no longer...