Man Utd's Tullis-Joyce on Vinicius racism allegation

Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce says it is "shameful but not surprising" that football continues to be blighted by racism.

European football's governing body Uefa has launched an official investigation following Vinicius Jr's allegation of racism against Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid's Champions League game in Lisbon.

Vinicius has said "racists are cowards", while Prestianni has denied racially abusing the Brazil forward.

Tullis-Joyce knows from personal experience how deep the problem is and the United States international is saddened racism remains part of football.

"I'm the daughter of a black woman, so I have been adjacent to the experience of a black woman in society," she said.

"It's no surprise to me. I think it's very shameful that situations like that are continuing to happen.

"I also just recently met with United's campaign 'All Red All Equal' so, I know on our doorstep, we're looking internally at what we're doing as a club.

"That's where I think we can really look at what we do locally at United and then keep branching out through our social media or content and make sure that people know it's just simply not OK. Period. Full stop. It's not OK."

Prestianni covered his mouth in his exchange with Vinicus, after which there was a 10-minute delay to the game.

He has been defended by Benfica, while their coach Jose Mourinho said Vinicius had incited angry reaction from the home fans with his celebration of the game's only goal.

Vinicius has been the victim of numerous incidents of racist abuse during his playing career.

Five people were given suspended prison sentences for racially abusing him last year - the first time a conviction for racism at a football match in Spain has been handed out.

"His comments saying this has happened to him several times in the past, is something that clubs and the league itself need to reflect on," said Tullis-Joyce.

"It's for people higher than me to really see how they can protect their players because if it's continuing to happen, we need to have some more reflection from clubs and leagues alike for what they can do to minimise these actions and words and show they will not be tolerated."

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