Real Madrid send ‘all available’ Vinicius evidence to UEFA in racism row
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Real Madrid has submitted all available evidence to UEFA regarding an alleged racist insult directed at their Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr during a Champions League match against Benfica. The incident occurred after Vinicius scored the only goal in Real Madrid's 1-0 win, celebrating near Benfica's corner flag. According to Vinicius, Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni called him a racial slur and covered his mouth with his shirt while denying the accusation. Real Madrid expressed support for Vinicius, emphasizing their commitment to eradicating racism in sports and society. The club highlighted the global football community's backing of Vinicius and praised UEFA's investigation.
Benfica refuted the allegations, labeling them a "defamation campaign" and supporting Prestianni's version of events. UEFA appointed a special investigator to gather evidence, temporarily halting the match for nearly 10 minutes after the referee activated the antiracism protocol. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incident, calling it "shocking and saddening," while praising the referee's quick response.
The case underscores the ongoing issue of racism in football, particularly targeting Black players like Vinicius Jr, who has faced repeated abuse in Spain. The investigation highlights the need for stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination measures in sports. While both clubs have expressed support for their respective players, the outcome will set a precedent for addressing racial abuse on and off the field.
This incident resonates globally as it involves two prominent European clubs and raises questions about the effectiveness of current protocols to prevent and punish racial discrimination. The outcome could influence how football governing bodies handle similar cases in the future, potentially shaping a more inclusive environment for players and fans alike.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026