The subject is Vinicius Jr. and the alleged racism incident in the first game of the Champions League playoffs against Benfica.
The consensus in the international press is clear: the case is serious, reinforces persistent racism in European football (especially against Vini) and now depends on UEFA’s investigation to clarify the facts.
The return to the Bernabéu already promises a lot of tension.
According to UEFA regulations, if “discriminatory behavior” is proven, Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni could be suspended for at least 10 games.
Vehicles such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BBC and ESPN highlight that Vini has suffered abuse since 2022 and has already accumulated around 18 complaints (or more).
Many harshly criticize Benfica and José Mourinho, who focused on Vini’s “provocation” instead of prioritizing the victim.
Yahoo Sports called it a “scandal” that overshadowed Vini’s goal and Real’s victory (1-0).
Sky Sports and Reuters see the episode as yet another chronic example of racist abuse against black players in high-profile games.
Prestianni and Benfica deny everything.
The player says he was never racist and that Vini misunderstood what he heard. The club published support for the athlete and reinforced its historic commitment to equality and inclusion.
However, the denial is weakened by the strong testimony of Kylian Mbappé, who claimed to have heard Prestianni call Vini a “monkey” several times — and firmly defended the Brazilian.
Racism has no place in football.
May UEFA investigate rigorously and punish anyone found guilty.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
