A heated controversy has erupted following Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie for a place in the Last 16, after Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestiani of directing racist abuse toward him during the match.
The incident occurred during a tense on-field confrontation in the second half, when Vinícius Jr confronted Prestiani and appeared to signal to the referee that racist language had been used. The clash quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and sparking debate across the football world.
Prestiani has now released an official statement strongly denying the allegations. “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr, who has regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard from me,” Prestiani said. He added that he has “never been racist with anyone” and expressed regret over the threats he claims to have received following the accusations.