Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe has stated that Gianluca Prestianni should be banned from playing Champions League football again, following an incident involving alleged racism directed at Vinicius Junior by the Benfica winger. Mbappe addressed the media to share his perspective on the matter.
Vinicius had just put Real Madrid ahead at the Estadio da Luz with a fantastic goal into the top corner shortly after halftime. Following his celebration, he received a yellow card for provoking the crowd, and confrontations between him and Benfica players continued. Prestianni reportedly made a derogatory remark to Vinicius, prompting him to report it to the referee, which led to the activation of the anti-racism protocol.
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Mbappe: Prestianni Should Be Banned from the Champions League
In the wake of the incident, Mbappe expressed his outrage, asserting to Movistar+ that Prestianni should face consequences for his actions.
“We need to set a standard for young fans. This is the Champions League, a tournament I dreamed of as a child and shared with my family. There are behaviors we simply cannot tolerate. The world is watching us. While we shouldn’t generalize, incidents like this are serious. I have many Portuguese friends and teammates who’ve always shown me respect, but such behavior cannot go unchallenged.”
“We received boos, which is understandable given the circumstances; I hold no animosity toward the fans, the club, or its legendary coach. However, action must be taken. A player displaying such behavior should not be allowed in the Champions League; he doesn’t deserve it. Ultimately, it’s up to UEFA to decide. This is a serious matter.”
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‘He Repeatedly Called Him a Monkey’ – Mbappe
Mbappe further clarified that Prestianni’s actions constituted racial abuse, detailing the specific remarks made.
“What I witnessed is straightforward: player number 25 called Vini a monkey five times. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I’m here to shed light on what transpired. From your vantage point, it’s hard to understand the situation. Our responsibility is to provide clear information. We all must unite against such behavior. Playing in the Champions League should be joyous, but moments like this are deeply distressing.”
Image via Cadena SER.
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According to Mbappe, Prestianni never apologized to Vinicius for his actions.
“Absolutely not! Did you see his reaction?! I can empathize with the spectators; that’s why I’m here speaking calmly. We’re not ignorant. I admit that I’m not perfect and have made mistakes, but I refuse to ignore this. How can any player, especially a young one, even consider making such comments?!”
‘We Considered Leaving the Pitch’ – Mbappe
During the match, a delay of around ten minutes occurred while the anti-racism protocol was implemented, after which Real Madrid players returned to the field. Mbappe revealed they contemplated leaving the match.
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“We did consider exiting, which is why we stepped back momentarily. Then, after discussions, we resumed play. We stayed focused on the game and emerged victorious, but today the game pales in importance compared to greater issues.”
“I said: What do you wish to do? He had been asked, and I told him, ‘Whatever you choose, we will support as a team.’ I made it clear in the press conference prior to the Monaco match that we will always stand by him.”
‘You’re a F***ing Racist’ – Mbappe to Prestianni
Cameras captured Mbappe confronting Prestianni during the resumed play by branding him a racist, a claim he confirmed post-match.
“I expressed that to him because that’s how I feel. You all have access to top-notch cameras; nothing escapes notice. So examine his expression; his face tells the truth. He attempted to conceal his lips with his shirt, but body language reveals everything. He does not deserve to participate in the premier competition in Europe.”
Regrettably, this is not the first instance of Vinicius experiencing racial abuse while playing for Real Madrid, but it is notable as it marks the first time he has identified another player as the aggressor. Given the activation of the anti-racism protocol, UEFA will be compelled to investigate the matter. Notably, Jose Mourinho remarked after the game that Prestianni indicated he hadn’t uttered what was being attributed to him.