Álvaro Arbeloa has stated that the alleged racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid‘s Champions League playoff against Benfica this week could serve as a “turning point” in addressing the issue. He emphasized the need for UEFA to take disciplinary action regarding this incident.
The match at Estadio da Luz was paused for 10 minutes after Vinícius scored in the 50th minute and reported to the referee that he had experienced racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Both Prestianni and Benfica have refuted the allegations, and UEFA has initiated an investigation, with Real Madrid submitting a comprehensive documentation of evidence to the organization on Thursday.
“Vini has been upset, like everyone else, and particularly very angry,” Arbeloa remarked during a press conference on Friday, ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga match against Osasuna. “This is clearly a racist act that we never want to see repeated. It has no place in our sport or society. We have a significant opportunity to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
The return match between Madrid and Benfica is scheduled to take place at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, with a chance to advance to the Champions League round of 16 on the line.
“Now it’s up to UEFA,” Arbeloa stated on Friday. “It’s time to show that this isn’t mere talk… While it’s not for me to dictate how UEFA should act, I do believe there should be consequences. We have a vital opportunity to effect change.”
In his press conference on Friday, Benfica coach José Mourinho, who criticized Vinícius’ goal celebration earlier this week, acknowledged that recent events have been emotionally challenging for him.
Arbeloa refrained from commenting on Mourinho’s remarks or those of Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany, who suggested that Mourinho had “attacked the character” of Vinícius and made a “huge mistake.”
“I prefer not to weigh in on others’ opinions—neither Kompany’s, Mourinho’s, nor anyone else’s,” Arbeloa said. “Everyone is entitled to their viewpoint; I am expressing mine. Vini scored a fantastic goal and celebrated just as we have seen countless players do. We cannot frame the victim as the instigator. There’s nothing Vini has done that justifies racist behavior.”
– Real Madrid submits all available evidence to UEFA for Vinícius Jr. investigation
– Benfica lodge complaint with UEFA regarding Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde’s conduct
– Brazil demands accountability in Vinícius Júnior racism inquiry
Arbeloa shared that forward Kylian Mbappé‘s knee is “much improved” after missing last weekend’s LaLiga match, although he started against Benfica.
“[The knee] hasn’t fully healed, but he’s feeling better,” Arbeloa noted. “We’ve made significant progress in recent weeks, but I’m just as composed as I was amid criticism. We’re aware of the club’s high expectations and are committed to continuous improvement.”
Madrid heads into Saturday’s match against Osasuna with a two-point lead at the top of the LaLiga standings, following Barcelona’s loss to Girona on Monday.