Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni has already given his version of events in UEFA's investigation into his alleged use of racist language against Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The incident followed Vinicius' stunning winning goal in Tuesday night's Champions League knockout play-off first leg in Lisbon, as the two players exchanged words before the Brazilian ran over to the referee to report something the Argentine said while he had his face covered with his shirt.
Pep Guardiola wants to see teachers and doctors "paid a lot" in efforts to educate children and tackle the issue of racism in society. The Manchester City boss was asked for his reaction to the alleged racist abuse suffered by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during Tuesday's Champions League clash with Benfica.
Vinicius Junior is said to have found Jose Mourinho’s response to the racism allegations that he levelled against Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni “repulsive”. Former Real Madrid manager Mourinho spoke with Brazil international Vinicius during an unscheduled break in play at Estadio da Luz. The Portuguese refused to condemn his player afterwards, leading to widespread criticism of the so-called ‘Special One’.
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has criticised Benfica manager Jose Mourinho for bringing Eusebio’s name into the Vinicius Junior racism row that has been sparked on the back of an eventful Champions League clash at Estadio da Luz. Ex-Real Madrid coach Mourinho has sought to defend his player, Gianluca Prestianni, and Portuguese supporters.
Real Madrid legend Keylor Navas has condemned the alleged racist abuse directed at Vinicius Jr during the midweek Champions League clash clash with Benfica. The veteran goalkeeper called for "strong punishment" against Gianluca Prestianni if the accusations prove to be correct to ensure such incidents never happen again.
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he intends to sign a new Brazil contract to keep him as manager of the Selecao beyond the 2026 World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The new deal would keep Ancelotti in the role until the 2030 World Cup and is expected to be signed in the coming weeks ahead of the build-up to this year's tournament, with the former Real Madrid boss relishing his new role in charge of the record five-time world champions.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has spoken out in support of Vinicius Jr after the alleged racial abuse suffered by the Real Madrid forward in their Champions League play-off tie with Benfica on Tuesday. Rosenior drew on his own experiences in the game and stated that those convicted of racial abuse do not deserve a place in football, as an ongoing investigation continues into the comments made by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.
Real Madrid have confirmed that they “actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA” following accusations of racist abuse being aimed at Vinicius Junior during the Blancos’ Champions League clash with Benfica. Gianluca Prestianni stands accused of making the comments in question, with ugly scenes playing out at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has apologised for his “clumsy” analysis of the incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni that has seen allegations of racism surface. Clattenburg formed part of Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of a Champions League fixture that took place at Estadio da Luz.
Anti-racism charity Kick It Out has accused Benfica manager Jose Mourinho of 'gaslighting' Vinicius Junior following a controversial Champions League encounter. The fallout stems from Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon, where the Brazilian superstar reported being racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Amidst the tension, Mourinho suggested that the forward’s own behaviour and exuberant goal celebration had "incited" the hostile atmosphere and provoked the opposition players.
The Portuguese government has revealed that it will be conducting its own investigation into the allegations of racism that have been made against Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. The 20-year-old Argentine was accused by Vinicius Junior of making racist comments during a Champions League knockout phase play-off fixture that took place at Estadio da Luz.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he is "shocked and saddened" by the allegations of racism from Vinicius Junior against Gianluca Prestianni. Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Benfica was paused for ten minutes after referee Francois Letexier initiated the anti-racism protocol before the fixture resumed. A strike from Vinicius proved to be the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Los Blancos.
Benfica legend Luisao has criticised Gianluca Prestianni for lying about what he allegedly said to Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid's victory in Portugal on Tuesday night. The Champions League game was halted after the Brazilian reported racist abuse to referee Francois Letexier, but Benfica and manager Jose Mourinho have since defended Prestianni and accused Vinicius of inciting racism. Argentine midfielder Prestianni has also claimed Vinicius and his team-mates misheard the words he insisted he used.
Benfica have said that Gianluca Prestianni is the victim of a "defamation campaign" while backing up the winger's claim that he did not racially abuse Vinicius Junior in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Vinicius alleged that Prestianni directed a racial slur at him after the Real Madrid star celebrated scoring the opening goal in the first leg of the knockout stage play-off tie.
UEFA has officially opened a disciplinary investigation into Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni following allegations of racist behaviour during the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash against Real Madrid. The European governing body confirmed the appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to look into the events at the Estadio da Luz, where Madrid secured a 1-0 victory. The flashpoint occurred shortly after Vinicius Jr found the net, leading to a significant delay as the Brazilian international and several team-mates confronted the opposition and the referee regarding a deeply offensive slur.
Thierry Henry has called on Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni to tell the truth about his altercation with Vinicius Junior during Tuesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Estadio da Luz. Vinicius has alleged that Prestianni directed a racial slur at him during the game, which led to the match being halted for 10 minutes. Henry has now responded with an emotional speech regarding the continued prevalence of racism in football.
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