Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid Face Crossroads After Devastating Lisbon Collapse
"The focus should be on Real Madrid," Vinicius Junior posted on social media, his exhausted anger evident in the forceful message, "but this is essential."
Tuesday evening's 1–0 victory over Benfica was determined by the Brazilian forward's spectacular strike and disgracefully marked by the purported racist comments he endured from Gianluca Prestianni, who refutes the allegation. There's much to analyze from a night that has become all too routine for Vinicius Jr, but what comes next could prove even more crucial.
UEFA, European football's governing authority, has the opportunity to transform this "embarrassment to the game" into a pivotal moment. However, based on historical patterns, more troubling incidents likely await.
Timeline of Events
Timeline of Events
We should be talking about Vinícius Júnior's incredible goal tonight. pic.twitter.com/Jz96hdQr1C
Benfica, Mourinho, Prestianni Go on the Defense
Benfica, Mourinho, Prestianni Go on the Defense
Como demonstram as imagens, dada a distância, os jogadores do Real Madrid não podem ter ouvido o que andam a dizer que ouviram. pic.twitter.com/7JF9AVuhEM
Prestianni swiftly turned to social media for his defense. "I wish to make clear that I never directed racist slurs toward player Vinicius Junior, who sadly misunderstood what he believed he heard," the Argentine winger stated. "I have never shown racism toward anyone, and I'm sorry about the threats I received from Real Madrid players."
Mbappé supported Vinicius Jr's assertion that Prestianni had used the term "mono"—meaning monkey—following the game. "[Prestianni] called Vinicius a monkey five times, I witnessed it," the French forward told journalists in the mixed zone. "I cannot allow such things to pass. He's a young player, how can you utter such words on a football field?"
Benfica have strongly supported their player. "United, beside you," the club's official social media posted with Prestianni's declaration. The legendary Portuguese club then made the curious move of sharing an alternative perspective of the incident that allegedly refuted Mbappé's assertion: "As the footage shows, considering the distance, the Real Madrid players couldn't have heard what they say they heard."
Aurélien Tchouaméni conveyed Prestianni's weak rebuttal. "Vini informed us the kid called him a monkey. He claimed he didn't say that, that he said... I'm not sure, 'f------' or something. Vini told us we had to continue playing. I'm unsure what to say now, we'll discuss it, but this cannot occur."
Mourinho stated he was "neutral" yet still offered twisted reasoning to defend his player and club. "I advised [Vinicius], when you score a goal like that you simply celebrate and return," he remarked after the match. "When he was disputing about racism, I reminded him the greatest figure in this club's history [Eusébio] was black.
"This club, the last thing it represents, is racism. If in his thoughts there was something regarding that, this is Benfica."
What Next?
What Next?
UEFA announced they are "examining" all documentation submitted by match officials. "When incidents are reported, proceedings begin and, should they result in disciplinary penalties being imposed, they are published on the UEFA disciplinary website," as cited by BBC Sport.
"We have no additional information to share or further commentary to offer on this issue at this time."
Article 14 of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations states clearly: "Any entity or individual under these regulations who demeans the human dignity of a person or group based on any grounds, including skin color, race, religion, ethnic background, gender or sexual orientation, faces a suspension of at least 10 matches or a designated time period, or any other suitable penalty."
UEFA has the authority to also sanction Benfica as an organization.
"If the situation demands it, the relevant disciplinary body may impose any other additional suitable disciplinary actions on the member association or club involved, such as playing one or more matches without spectators, stadium closure, match forfeiture, point deductions and/or elimination from the competition."
Nevertheless, establishing that Prestianni spoke what Vinicius Jr alleged will be challenging, given he concealed his mouth and has provided a different account of events.
Mbappé had a suggestion for action. "I hold the highest regard for Benfica and their manager, who is among the finest in history and who created history with Real Madrid. However, in my view, this player no longer deserves to compete in the Champions League," he articulately expressed to gathered reporters.
"We cannot tolerate that a player competing in Europe's premier tournament acts this way. This individual no longer deserves to participate in the Champions League, but we'll see what unfolds.
"Let's defer to UEFA, who consistently attempt to take action. Now they face a serious matter, and I hope they respond appropriately."
Past Precedent
Past Precedent
"Nothing similar has ever occurred to me," Mbappé pondered, horrified. Nevertheless, he was part of a comparably disturbing situation five years earlier.
Istanbul Basaksehir's assistant manager, Pierre Webo, alleged that assistant referee Sebastian Coltescu had described him as "the black one" 13 minutes into a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain in December 2020. Both teams departed the field in protest and the game was completed the next day with different officials.
Three months afterward, UEFA banned Webo for the remaining months of the season after determining he had not respected the game's rules and failed to adhere to "the standards of ethical behavior, loyalty, integrity and fair play." However, Coltescu was not explicitly found guilty of racial discrimination and instead required to "participate in an educational program."
It remains uncertain what, if any, sanctions will be imposed on Prestianni and Benfica, but the probability is that several weeks and months will pass before any definitive action occurs.