Arbeloa and Courtois call on Uefa to take stand against racism after Vinícius incident

Guardian Sport

by Sid Lowe in Madrid

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Alvaro Arbeloa and Thibaut Courtois have spoken out against racism in football following an alleged racist abuse incident involving Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s Champions League playoff match against Benfica. The two players called on Uefa to take a strong, meaningful stand against discrimination, urging the governing body to move beyond empty slogans and implement real change within the sport. The incident occurred during last week’s first leg of the playoff, where Vinícius was allegedly targeted by Gianluca Prestianni, a Benfica fan, leading to widespread condemnation. Courtois expressed frustration with José Mourinho for suggesting that the racial abuse could be linked to Vinícius’s celebration after scoring the match’s only goal. The goalkeeper emphasized that any attempt to downplay or deflect blame—such as claiming the insult was homophobic rather than racist—would be unacceptable and equally harmful. His comments highlight the need for clarity and accountability in addressing such incidents. The players’ statements come ahead of Wednesday’s second leg clash between Real Madrid and Benfica, with both teams preparing to face each other again under heightened scrutiny. Arbeloa stressed the importance of unity and action from Uefa to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all players and fans. The situation has sparked broader discussions about how football handles discrimination, with many calling for stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future. This incident matters because it underscores the ongoing challenges of racism and prejudice within sports, particularly in high-profile competitions like the Champions League. By speaking out, Arbeloa and Courtois have brought attention to the need for systemic change, not just isolated reactions. Their call to action highlights the role of players, clubs, and governing bodies in fostering a culture of respect and equality in football—a message that resonates with fans and stakeholders alike who are eager to see meaningful progress.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/24/2026