Goal Celebration Sparks Controversy: UEFA to investigate Vinicius incident

UEFA announced on Wednesday that it will investigate claims of racial abuse after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior said he was insulted by SL Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match in Lisbon.

The first leg of the knockout round on Tuesday was stopped for over 10 minutes after Vinicius told French referee Francois Letexier that Prestianni had called him “mono” (Spanish for monkey) during a confrontation.

The incident happened shortly after Vinicius scored a brilliant goal and received a yellow card for celebrating in front of the home crowd at Estadio da Luz.

Prestianni, 20, covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinicius and denies any racial abuse.

Real Madrid’s England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said the incident was “disgusting” and “a disgrace for football.” Forward Kylian Mbappe also demanded that Prestianni be banned, saying he “doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League again.”

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho criticized Vinicius for provoking the players and fans with his goal celebration. “When you score a goal like that, celebrate in a respectful way,” he said.