AssetID: 55482960
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Real Madrid Champions League Match Halted After Vinicius Junior Alleges Racist Slur
Caption: Real Madrid Champions League Match Halted After Vinicius Junior Alleges Racist Slur. Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Benfica was halted for 11 minutes after an alleged racist slur was directed at Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian forward alerted referee Francois Letexier, accusing Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of making the comment. Prestianni denied any racist remark, saying Vinicius had “misinterpreted what he thought he heard.” Letexier activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, crossing his arms to signal a temporary suspension of play at the Estadio da Luz. Tensions flared after Vinicius celebrated his goal with a dance in front of the corner flag, prompting confrontation from Benfica players and a yellow card. Real Madrid players reportedly threatened to leave the pitch before the referee allowed the match to resume. After the game, Vinicius said the protocol served “no purpose” and described racists as “cowards,” noting the abuse was “nothing new” in his life. Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said he heard conflicting accounts from both players and declined to take sides. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Sports,Real Madrid,Benfica,Vinicius Junior,Gianluca Prestianni,Francois Letexier,Jose Mourinho,Champions League,racism allegation
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