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MADRID (AP) — Benfica player Gianluca Prestiani has denied racially insulting the Real Madrid forward. Vinicius Jr.. “I have never been racist towards anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players,” the 20-year-old Argentina forward told X.of champions league Tuesday’s playoff match at Benfica’s Stadium of Light was suspended for nearly 10 minutes after the referee initiated anti-racism protocols.Benfica showed support The Portuguese club sued Mr. Prestiani on Wednesday, claiming that Madrid players who testified they heard the insult were too far away. Benfica fans were furious that Vinicius celebrated his 50th-minute goal by dancing by…

“I don’t like Real Madrid, but tonight I’m a Madridista.”These were Thierry Henry’s powerful words following the racism controversy surrounding Vinicius Junior during the match between Real Madrid and Benfica.Henry’s message was not about loyalty to the club. It was about unity.”What are you talking about?”On live TV, Henry didn’t hold back. He questioned the narrative, often associated with Vinicius Jr., that incidents “happen to him all the time” or that celebrations somehow justify the abuse.His central point was clear.The focus must return to the alleged racist insult. Celebrations are part of football. Racism is not. “What are you talking…

The Champions League match against Benfica on Tuesday night was suspended for 10 minutes after Real Madrid players left the field after Vinicius Junior reported allegations of racist abuse from Gianluca Prestiani.06:41, February 18, 2026Updated February 18, 2026 07:15Jose Mourinho speaks out about Vini Junior’s racial abuse allegations (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)Jose Mourinho has insisted that “something will happen” in every stadium where Vinicius Junior plays, after the Real Madrid player claimed on Tuesday night that he had been racially abused by Gianluca Prestiani. During the second half of the Champions League match against Benfica, play was stopped for…

WOusmane Demble is next in line, and Paris Saint-Germain are suddenly in the spotlight after an injury setback in the UEFA Champions League and renewed interest in moving abroad.According to a report from transfer official Fabrizio Romano, the Ballon d’Or winner played just 26 minutes in PSG’s knockout stage first leg against AS Monaco before being substituted with an apparent injury.PSG were trailing at the time, but by half-time they were tied 2-2. Substitute Gilles Dou scored immediately after coming on, and Achraf Hakimi equalized late on.The incident renewed concerns about Demble’s durability, which have long been a determining factor…

The Champions League play-off match between Benfica and Real Madrid was temporarily suspended after Vinicius Junior was allegedly subjected to racial abuse, triggering UEFA’s racism rules.06:58, February 18, 2026Updated February 18, 2026 07:22Vinicius Junior reports racist incident during Real Madrid vs. Benfica (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. has issued a statement accusing the protocols put in place after he was allegedly subjected to racist abuse to have been “poorly enforced”. Real Madrid’s Champions League game against Benfica has been suspended in accordance with UEFA regulations following the accusations made by the winger.The Brazilian scored what would become…

aAfter hours of contradictory testimonies and tons of opinions about the sequence of events between Gianluca Prestiani and Vincius Jr., the Argentine player surprisingly defended himself on social media. Prestiani’s stance with support from BenficaThe Benfica forward used the X account to respond to accusations from Real Madrid players and the general public. With the support of Benfica as an organization, Prestiani defended his position and expressed his views, denying any false accusations or possible guilt.Citing a video posted by Benfica’s official account, Gianluca Prestiani said: “If they insist so strongly that I made racist comments against Vincius Junior, why…

LONDON (AP) — Inter Milan faces a difficult journey Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League playoffs on Wednesday. This small Norwegian team has been an amazing event in this season’s competition. Shocking wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid To get to the playoffs. located north of the arctic circle — further north than any team in Champions League history — the reward for their impressive performance will be a showdown with last year’s runners-up Inter, who currently lead the Italian league.Azerbaijan’s Qarabag is also a team unlikely to make the play-offs, with Newcastle their home. Atlético travel to Club Brugge,…

Nottingham Forest and Tottenham have hired new managers, fearing being dragged into the Premier League’s relegation zone as West Ham find their footing under Nuno Espirito Santo.Vitor Pereira appointed Nottingham Forest manager (Image: Ritchie Sumpter/Nottingham Forest FC via Getty Images)With 12 games remaining in the Premier League, the relegation battle has entered a new phase, with tensions rising with a new manager, personal vendettas and panicked owners.With West Ham’s improved form, the relegation battle looked certain to be over, but now it’s back to normal. There are currently just three points separating the in-form Hammers, who are in the drop…

HEarly Kane’s brace for Bayern Munich last weekend (3-0 against Bremen) and Kylian Mbappé’s forced substitution against Real Sociedad (he was rested for a knockout in the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad) meant the Englishman has moved up significantly in the latest Golden Boot standings, a trophy sponsored by European Sports Media (ESM) and with MARCA as Spain’s national media outlet.Kane currently has 26 goals in the Bundesliga, while Kylian has 23 in LaLiga, which is still within reach given the number of goals remaining.Current Golden Boot standings1. Harry Kane (FC Bayern) 26 goals x 2 points = 52 points2.…

The Manchester United legend has made his feelings clear about Michael Carrick’s future at the club after impressing during his spell as caretaker manager.February 17, 2026, 13:30Updated February 17, 2026 13:31Wayne Rooney has made his feelings clear about Luis Enrique and Michael Carrick’s futures at Manchester United. (Image: The Overlap)Wayne Rooney believes Champions League-winning manager Luis Enrique should not be given the Manchester United job and wants Michael Carrick to stay. The Reds legend feels United have already started down the tried-and-true path of bringing in big-name managers, with PSG boss Enrique linked to fill the vacant managerial role.But Rooney…