Benfica vs Real Madrid interrupted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr racism allegation following incident with Gianluca Prestianni | Football news

Real Madrid's Champions League knockout play-off at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to continue playing following a comment made to him by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.

Vinicius Jr had just given Real the lead when he was confronted by Prestianni, who pulled his shirt up over his mouth before saying something to the Madrid striker.

Vinicius Jr ran to speak to match referee François Letexier, who immediately stopped the match.

Following Vinicius Jr's complaint, the referee responded by crossing his arms in front of his face, activating FIFA's anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopping the match.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was seen trying to console a visibly upset Vinicius Jr and a member of the Benfica coaching staff was shown a red card during the lengthy stoppage.

After much discussion between the players, coaches and referee, play then resumed.

Real Madrid held on to win 1-0, with Mourinho also sent off for a separate incident, but there was another short delay late in stoppage time when fans threw objects as Vinicius Jr attempted to take a corner.

“Racists are, above all, cowards,” Vinicius Jr posted on his post-match Instagram story.

“They have to put their shirt over their mouth to show how weak they are.

“But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, in theory, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened here today was new in my life or that of my family.

“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why. On the other hand, it's just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don't like appearing in situations like this, even more so after a big victory and when the headlines need to be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary.”

Prestianni has not yet commented on the incident.

Vinicius Jr's teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold said Amazon Prime after the match: “I can't comment too much because there's probably an ongoing investigation.

“What happened tonight is a shame for football. It overshadowed the performance, especially after such an incredible goal.

“Vini has been subjected to this many times during his career, there is no place for this in football or in society. It is disgusting.”

Benfica boss Mourinho also spoke to Amazon Primeclaiming that Vinicius Jr incited the crowd and his players due to the manner of his celebration, but said he wanted to “be independent” over the incident because Vinicius Jr and Prestianni “told him different things”.

Mourinho said: “I said [Vinicius Jr] – When you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and go back. When he was discussing racism, I told him that the greatest person [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black.

“This club, the last thing there is, is racist.”

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said Amazon Prime: “You have to ask the Benfica players [about it].

“Everyone can see what happened with Prestianni, he put the shirt over his mouth. You have to ask him.

“What Vini said is not important, we have to fight racism in football. We support Vini of course.”

On the objects thrown at Vinicius Jr, Alexander-Arnold said: “It's a hostile environment, maybe they were unhappy with the way Vini celebrated. I don't know what triggered them like that. Like I said, a hostile environment. We're used to it as a team. We get the win, go home and play again.”

Vinicius Jnr has previously spoken out about the repeated racist abuse he suffered, saying in 2024 that he wanted to play football “less and less” because of the abuse. The same year, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for racist abuse against him during a match in May 2023.

Meanwhile, five people have been given suspended prison sentences in 2025 for racist abuse of Vinicius in an “unprecedented” decision in Spain. The incident occurred during Real Madrid's match against Real Valladolid in September 2022.

“Shocking, shameful, upsetting”

Daily Mirror football journalist John Cross, speaking on Back Pages Tonight:

“It's truly shocking and shameful – completely upsetting. I can't believe in 2026 football hasn't got this under control. Imagine if you're Vinicius Jnr – a genius and who has just scored an incredible goal.

“This should shine a light on football and bring shame to it. Strong action must be taken against the perpetrators. In a World Cup year, a strong message must be sent.”