Online Reporter
REAL Madrid have provided governing body UEFA with evidence regarding their forward Vinicius Jr’s allegation that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist slur at him during Tuesday night’s 1-0 win at the Portuguese club, the Spanish football side said on Thursday.
The Champions League play-off first leg clash was suspended for 10 minutes after Vinicius accused Prestianni of using the slur after Vinicius scored for Real five minutes into the second-half.
Prestianni denied the allegation, saying Vinicius “misunderstood what he thinks he heard,” and Benfica said they stood by their winger as UEFA appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the allegation.
“Real Madrid CF announces that today it has provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred on Tuesday,” Real said in a statement.
The Spanish club said they appreciate the support Vinicius has received since the incident.
“Real Madrid will continue to work, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and in society,” the club added.
Benfica will visit Real for the second leg of the tie next Wednesday.
Chelsea boss Rosenior slams racism
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior has said anyone in football found guilty of racism “should not be in the game” after Vinicius was allegedly racially abused.
Play in Real Madrid’s clash away to Benfica on Tuesday night was stopped for 10 minutes after the Spanish giants’ forward Vinicius told the referee that the hosts’ Gianluca Prestianni had called him a “monkey” during a confrontation.
The Argentine midfielder, who covered his mouth during the argument after Vinicius had celebrated a goal dancing in front of the home fans during the first leg of a knockout phase play-off, denies the allegation.
European football governing body UEFA announced on Wednesday they would investigate “allegations of discriminatory behaviour”, with Brazilian star Vinicius repeatedly subjected to racist abuse since joining Real in 2018.
Rosenior, while not commenting on the case directly, urged football authorities to take stronger action against racism.
“It’s upsetting,” he said on Thursday.
“There’s context that needs to be had in terms of this situation.
“What I will say, any form of racism in society is unacceptable. I cannot speak about an incident where an investigation is ongoing.
“What I would say is when you see a player upset how Vinicius Junior was upset, normally they’re upset for a reason. I’ve been racially abused myself.”
Rosenior, who is of mixed heritage, added: “If any coach, player or manager is ever found guilty of racism, they shouldn’t be in the game. It’s as simple as that for me.”
Rosenior wrote an open letter to US President Donald Trump in June 2020 in the days after the murder by a police officer of George Floyd in Minneapolis, an event that inspired the global Black Lives Matter movement. – AFP Sport.
