The post Vinicius Jr.’s racist incident at Benfica vs Real Madrid: Explaining the alleged abuse in Champions League play-offs originally appeared on Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Benfica’s much-anticipated Champions League play-off clash with Real Madrid was mired in controversy amid ugly scenes after half-time of the first leg at the Stadium of Light.
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Vinicius Junior put Real Madrid ahead in stunning fashion, but the game was over quickly. During his goal celebrations, objects were thrown at the Brazil international and Vinnie was booked by the referee for dancing provocatively at the corner flag.
This angered Benfica players, who were unhappy with the celebrations taking place in front of Benfica fans. In the ensuing melee between players from both teams, the match referee reported incidents of alleged racial discrimination.
Here’s everything we know about the incident. Sporting News will provide updates and developments after the game.
More: ‘No racism’ gestures in football: Explaining FIFA’s use of cross-arm ‘X’ signals in La Liga and Champions League
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What happened to Vinicius in Benfica’s game against Real Madrid?
In the 50th minute, Vinicius cut inside Amal Dedic and fired a powerful shot past Trubin into the far corner.
He ran away to celebrate, put his ear against Benfica’s crown and then danced at the corner flag amid boos and jeers from the home fans. Objects were thrown at Vinicius and the crowd of celebrating Madrid players.
The Brazilian striker then broke away from the crowd and once again pumped his fist in the direction of the home fans. At this time, referee Francois Letexier signaled Vinicius to leave the stands, and Benfica veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi confronted the scorer.
Real Madrid Vinicius Junior
Vinicius continued to revel in the moment in a way that could be described as incendiary. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestani confronted him and Vinicus was booked. Gianluca Prestani then covered his mouth with his shirt and said something to Vinicius. Since then, Madrid’s anger has intensified significantly. Kylian Mbappe was among those angry, with teammate Antonio Rudiger trying to placate the France striker.
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Next, Vinicius ran towards Lexier and seemed to point in the direction of Prestani. At this point, the referee made an overhead signal with his arms crossed, indicating that an incident of racist abuse had been reported. At this time, the quarrel between the players continued, and members of the coaching staff also entered the court.
One of Real Madrid’s backroom players was immediately sent off. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho spoke to Vinicius and they hugged each other. Vinicius spoke in the Benfica coach’s ear before Mbappe joined the conversation.
Vinceus spent some time away from the fracas on Madrid’s bench but returned to join his teammates when play resumed after a 10-minute delay.
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Mourinho was sent off before full-time for scolding Letsier over an unrelated matter and was shown a second yellow card, which could see him suspended for the second leg at the Bernabeu.
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