UEFA Opens Inquiry After Vinicius Reports Racist Slur in Real Madrid’s 1-0 Win at Benfica

Overview

• Vinicius Junior scored the only goal in Lisbon, and referee François Letexier halted play for about eight to ten minutes under UEFA’s anti‑racism protocol.
• Kylian Mbappé and several Real Madrid players said they heard Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni call Vinicius a “mono” multiple times and urged sanctions.
• Prestianni denied using racist language, said his words were misheard, reported receiving threats, and Benfica shared a video arguing players were too far to hear clearly.
• UEFA confirmed the appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate possible discriminatory conduct, with its rules mandating at least a 10‑match ban if racism is proven.
• José Mourinho told Vinicius that Benfica is not a racist club and was later sent off, as the tie heads to the Bernabéu next week with Real leading 1-0.