The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) published a note, on Tuesday night (17), showing support for Vinicius Júnior after the striker claimed that he suffered racism in Benfica 0 x 1 Real Madrid.
“Racism is a crime. It is unacceptable. It cannot exist in football or anywhere,” wrote the CBF. “Vini, you are not alone. Your attitude in activating the protocol is an example of courage and dignity. We are proud of you.”
The CBF stands in solidarity with Vinícius Júnior, victim of yet another act of racism this Tuesday, after scoring for Real Madrid against Benfica, in Lisbon.
Racism is a crime. It’s unacceptable. It cannot exist in football or anywhere.
Vini, you are not alone.
Your attitude towards…
— brazil (@CBF_Futebol)
The confusion occurred in the second half of the Champions League match. After scoring the winning goal for the Whites, .
It was at that moment that Vini ran towards referee François Letexier, who called . According to Mbappé, Prestianni would have called the Brazilian a “monkey” five times.
RACISM PROTOCOL IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: VINI JR. HE WENT TO THE REFEREE AND APPOINTED TO ARGENTINO PRESTIANNI, FROM BENFICA. GAME PAUSED IN LISBON. 🚨
⚠️ Benfica x Real Madrid LIVE on and on ()!
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR)
Vini Jr. receives card for celebration
In the confusion, before the anti-racism protocol was activated, the Brazilian received a yellow card, apparently for something he did during the goal celebration.
The Real Madrid players threatened to leave the pitch and went towards the bench. Faced with the confusion, Benfica fans began to insult Vini in chorus, but without using racist words, according to the TNT Sports report.
Coach of the Portuguese team, José Mourinho even had a heated conversation with Vini Jr., in his ear.
Mbappé was one of the players most affected by the case. Outraged by Vini’s accusation, he argued strongly with . About ten minutes later, the game resumed, with no card for Prestianni.
Understand the anti-racism protocol
There are three steps to the protocol. In the first, the referee observes or receives complaints from the players and decides whether or not to stop the match.
At that moment, the stadium screens broadcast a message reporting the incident, in addition to the referee’s gesture, with a warning that the match may be suspended if the problems do not cease.
If the attacks persist, the referee may cancel the game. Arbitrators have the power to analyze the situation and understand the scope of the facts before making a definitive decision.
Everything is reported in the summary, that is, the next steps are from the publication of the document.
