Real Madrid Presents Evidence to UEFA Regarding Racist Incidents Against Benfica
The Real Madrid has submitted “all available evidence” to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) regarding incidents that occurred during their away match against Benfica on Tuesday in Lisbon, a first-leg qualifying match for the UEFA Champions League, which was marred by allegations of racism.
Brazilian player Vinícius Júnior accused Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racist insult at him during the match, which Madrid won 1-0.
In a statement, the Spanish club said: “Our club has actively cooperated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable racist incidents that occurred during this match.” Real Madrid also expressed gratitude for the “support, unity, backing, and affection” received by Vinícius Júnior from figures in the football world, asserting that they will continue their efforts to “eradicate racism, violence, and hatred in sports and society.”
UEFA had announced the previous day that it had opened an investigation for “discriminatory behavior” targeting Prestianni, accusations that the player denied on his Instagram account.
Additionally, several videos circulated on social media and reported by Spanish media show racist behavior from some fans in the stands, which explains the broad language adopted by Real Madrid in their statement.
