Benfica v Real Madrid: A Champions League clash paused after Real Madrid players walk off in protest
Real Madrid’s knockout round encounter with Benfica stalled for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior alleged racist abuse, prompting him and his teammates to leave the pitch.
Referee Francois Letexier signaled the abuse with a crossed-arms gesture following a discussion with Vinicius.
The Brazil forward had given the Spanish visitors a 1-0 lead in the second half at the Estadio da Luz, though he was later booked for an overly exuberant celebration.
After an exchange with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius approached the referee at the halfway line, gesturing toward the opposition player.
Real Madrid issued a statement claiming Vinicius told the referee he had been racially abused by the Argentina winger.
Vinicius then walked off the field, with Real Madrid colleagues following suit, and play resumed 10 minutes later in the 60th minute.
The match finished with Real Madrid winning 1-0 after 12 minutes of stoppage time, during which an object was thrown from the crowd and struck Vinicius on the arm.
Following the game, Vinicius issued a statement on Instagram denouncing the incident.
“Racists are, above all, cowards. They must stuff their mouths with their shirts to reveal their weakness,” Vinicius wrote.
“But they enjoy protection from others who, in theory, have an obligation to punish them. Today’s events are not new in my life or in my team’s life.
“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal, which I still don’t understand. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no real purpose.”
Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis defended teammate Prestianni.
“I don’t think Prestianni said anything like that to Vinicius. I suspect it’s more about the intense Brazil-Argentina rivalry than anything else,” Pavlidis said.
Prestianni has not yet commented.
The Brazilian Football Confederation issued a statement: “Racism is a crime. It is unacceptable. It cannot exist in football or anywhere else.”
“Vini, you are not alone. Your decision to activate the protocol shows courage and dignity. We are proud of you.
“We will stay firm in the fight against all forms of discrimination. We stand by you, always.”
The crossed-arms signal used to indicate racist abuse was introduced by FIFA in May 2024. It is shown by a referee on the field if abuse is observed or reported.
Objects were seen being thrown from the stands as Vinicius, aged 25, celebrated a stunning goal by dancing near the corner flag in the 50th minute, a moment that sparked tension between players on the pitch and led Vinicius and Prestianni to interact at the halfway line.
The Real Madrid star led his teammates off the field after reporting the incident and subsequently consulted with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho as staff from both camps became involved.
Vinicius has faced numerous episodes of racist abuse throughout his career.
Last year, five individuals received suspended prison sentences for racially abusing him—the first time a court in Spain handed down a conviction for racism at a football match.
