Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to play on 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 Francois Letexier, who immediately stopped the game.
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.
Vinicius Jr speaks to referee Francois Letexier after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni appeared to make a comment towards him
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 a number of discussions between players, coaches and the referee, play then resumed.
Real Madrid held on to win 1-0, with Mourinho also sent off for a separate incident, but there was a further short delay late in stoppage time when fans threw objects as Vinicius Jr was attempting to take a corner kick.
Vinicius Jr’s team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime after the game: “I can’t comment too much as there is probably an ongoing investigation.
“What’s happened tonight is a disgrace to football. It’s overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal.
“Vini has been subjected to this a few times throughout his career, there’s no place for it in football or society. It’s disgusting.”
On the objects thrown at Vinicius Jr, Alexander-Arnold said: “It’s a hostile environment, maybe they were upset with the way Vini celebrated. I don’t know what set them off like that. Like I said, hostile environment. We are used to it as a team. We take the win, go back home and play again.”
More to follow…