Benfica has rejected claims that Real Madrid players heard the supposed racist remarks directed at Vinícius Júnior.
Vinícius scored the only goal in Tuesday’s Champions League match at the Estádio da Luz. However, during his celebration, he engaged in a conflict with Benfica players, including Gianluca Prestianni, whom he accused of racism.
After Prestianni appeared to say something while covering his mouth, Vinícius ran over to confront the referee.
While Vinícius’ Madrid teammates rallied to support him, Benfica’s official account on X asserted that the Real Madrid players couldn’t have overheard the alleged incident.
“As the footage shows, due to the distance, Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claimed,” Benfica stated after the match.
Federico Valverde previously remarked: “According to teammates who were close by, they heard something really nasty.”
Kylian Mbappé also affirmed that Prestianni had racially abused Vinícius.
Aurélien Tchouaméni told Movistar: “Vini informed us that the guy called him a monkey.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed to CBS: “It’s ruined the night; it’s a disgrace to the sport and society. There’s no place for that.”
Vinícius referred to Prestianni as a “coward” in a social media post following the match. In response, Prestianni stated, “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone.”
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho critiqued Vinícius’ goal celebration, which preceded the confrontation with Prestianni.
“Something’s not working,” Mourinho commented. “Vinícius scored a fantastic goal. Why didn’t he celebrate like Eusebio, Pelé, or Di Stéfano?”
– Jose Mourinho critiques Vinícius: ‘Celebrate like Pele’
– Vinícius Júnior claims ‘coward’ Prestianni racially abused him
– Real Madrid learned lessons from Champions League defeat to Benfica
Mourinho also stated to Movistar: “Vinícius says one thing, and Prestianni says another. I cannot unequivocally support Prestianni, but I also can’t assert that what Vinícius told me is the truth. I simply don’t know.”
The second leg of the Champions League knockout round will take place next week at the Bernabéu, where Mourinho will be serving a suspension after being sent off in the 85th minute of the first leg on Tuesday.