MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid has sent “all available evidence” to UEFA. Alleged racist insult Match against Vinicius Junior champions league match Against Benfica.
“The club has actively co-operated with the investigation launched by UEFA following the unacceptable incidents of racism experienced during that match,” the club said on Thursday, without elaborating on the evidence.
UEFA appointed a special investigator on Wednesday to gather evidence about what happened in Lisbon during Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League final.
Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani of calling him a “monkey” after the Brazilian scored the only goal. Prestiani was also one of the Benfica players who was angry at Vinicius after the forward was celebrated at Benfica’s corner flag.
Prestiani covered his mouth with his shirt when speaking to the Brazilian player and denied racially abusing Vinicius, who is black and has suffered repeated racist insults in Spain.
“Real Madrid is grateful for the unanimous support, support and love that our player Vinicius Junior has received from all sectors of the world football community,” the club said. “Real Madrid remains committed to working with all institutions to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and society.”
Benfica said Prestianni was the victim of a “defamation campaign” and welcomed the investigation launched by UEFA on Wednesday, saying it “fully supports and believes the version presented” by Prestianni.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday he was “shocked and saddened to see the alleged racist incident” and praised the referee for invoking anti-racism protocols during the match, which was suspended for nearly 10 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
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