UEFA to Investigate Benfica Social Media Activity After Vinicius Junior's Racism Allegation

In the wake of Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 knockout playoff on February 17, 2026, UEFA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.[1][2]

Vinícius scored the decisive goal but the match was overshadowed when the game was halted for 10 minutes after he reported hearing a racial slur from the 19-year-old Benfica winger. Real Madrid players confronted officials, instigating FIFA's anti-racism protocol.[4] Post-match, Vinícius took to social media, labeling racists as "cowards."

UEFA confirmed on February 18 that a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed "to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour" during the tie. Further details will follow.[1][2][3] If guilty under UEFA's Article 14, Prestianni faces a potential 10-match ban. Benfica could also face sanctions, such as stadium closures, for objects thrown at Madrid players.[3]

Prestianni vehemently denied the claims on social media, insisting it was a "linguistic misunderstanding" amid the match's intensity. "At no point did I direct racist insults at Vinicius Jr... I have never been racist toward anyone," he stated, regretting threats from Madrid players.[3][4] Benfica released footage on X (formerly Twitter), arguing the distance made it impossible for Madrid players to hear any slur, highlighting their social media activity now under scrutiny.[4]

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa offered full backing to Vinícius, stating the club would support whatever action he wanted.[1] This incident echoes Vinícius's history of abuse, including 2023 Valencia fans sentenced to suspended prison terms and fines, and 2022 Valladolid cases with similar outcomes.[4]

As evidence like footage and witness reports is gathered, the second leg at the Bernabéu looms with heightened tension, focusing attention on UEFA's handling of racism in football.

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