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Ailsa Cowen, Ben Ramsdale and Grace Wheeler.

  1. Get Involved - 'That approach risks justifying racism'

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    Personally, Mourinho's comments regarding the celebration weren't the shocking part exactly. I was more concerned by how he seemed dismissive of Vinicius's claims of racism entirely. Saying "Benfica is not racist", is as though he refuses to entertain Vinicius's claims. What message does that send to victims of racial abuse?

    Harry, Manchester

    Mourinho says he doesn’t condone racism, but invoking Eusébio and implying Vini’s celebration somehow explains the alleged abuse is unacceptable. That approach doesn’t challenge racism—it risks justifying it.

    Mark, Bognor

    Mourinho’s response is really disappointing. He had an opportunity to condemn the alleged abuse and show compassion, but didn’t. Benfica fans filmed making derogatory gestures will not do Benfica’s reputation any good, but neither does their own statement on the incident.

    Otis, York

  2. 'I'm a Madridista tonight'

    Thierry Henry
    Former Arsenal forward on CBS Sports Golazo

    I don't like Real Madrid, but I'm a Madridista tonight. You don't want to see that, I don't care what shirt Vinicius Junior is wearing. I heard some people saying it's always happening with him, who cares? And on top of that don't celebrate?

    We all have massive respect for Benfica but that individual needs to answer to what Kylian Mbappe has said. He cannot just come out and say 'I didn't say anything.' Why did you cover your mouth then? I believe Kylian, he left me a message by the way - I can't wait to hear it. I called him because I wanted to know what the guy said. Enough is enough.

  3. Prestianni faces 10-game ban if found guilty

    Dale Johnson
    Football issues correspondent

    Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni faces a 10-game suspension if Uefa's ethics and disciplinary inspector finds evidence of racism.

    This mandatory punishment was introduced in 2013 by Gianni Infantino when he was Uefa general secretary.

    It was applied in British football in 2021 following a Europa League game between Slavia Prague and Rangers.

    Ondrej Kudela, a centre-back for the Czech club, was accused and found guilty of racially abusing Glen Kamara.

    Kudela appealed the suspension but dropped it before a hearing.

    Uefa regulations stipulate “a minimum 10-match” suspension. Rangers were angry that the ban was not longer.

    Gianlucca Prestianni with his shirt covering his mouthGetty Images

  4. Uefa open investigation into Vinicius' claims

    UEFA

    Uefa, who organise the Champions League, have announced they have opened an official investigation into claims that Vinicus was racially abused during the match against Benfica.

    "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026," they said.

    Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.

  5. Get Involved - 'Ban players covering their mouths'

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    May be there should be a ban on hiding conversations on the pitch full stop. Every game you see conversations that are covered by a hand or in other way. Make it a bookable offence and every word would be seen.

    Martin, London

    Yes I must admit, I frequently cover my mouth up when making conversation with someone. Only yesterday I bumped into someone and thought ~Oh, I'll have a chat with this person, but first I'll cover my mouth with my shirt so that nobody can see what I am saying~.

    Su, Suffolk

    None of us know what was actually said, at this point it's allegations. Covering your mouth to say something though is a sign it's something you don't want others to see. Ban players doing that, and lifetime bans for anyone proven guilty of racism.

    Matt, UK

    It's all well and good claiming that we don't know what Prestianni said, but I'm yet to see an innocent explanation for him covering his mouth with his shirt before shouting at Vinicius Jr

    Olivia, Glasgow

  6. 'I am ashamed of it'

    Former Benfica legend and Brazil defender Luisao responded to Benfica's club statement defending Gianluca Prestianni, stating that he was 'ashamed' of it: "This shirt is too big, I love Benfica it's my second skin, you have to be worthy to wear the sacred mantle, this text makes it worse because it's a lie.. football is won with grit, with fight.. It was a racist act yes and I'm ashamed of it."

    LuisaoGetty Images

  7. Kick It Out statement: 'It sends the wrong message to others around the world'

    Kick It Out have released a statement following Tuesday evening's incident:

    "When anyone reports discrimination in football, or anywhere, the first priority is that they are listened to and feel supported.

    "Focusing on Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration or the history of the club, instead of acknowledging the report, is a form of gaslighting.

    "This approach not only harms the individual affected but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations.

    "Leaders in football have a crucial role in setting standards, and moments like these call for responsible leadership that reinforces respect, inclusion, and accountability.

    "We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability linked to the outcome."

    Kick It Out logoGetty Images

  8. 'Gianluca Prestianni is a coward'

    Micah Richards
    Former Man City defender on CBS Sports Golazo

    Gianluca Prestianni isa coward, an absolute coward because no one will ever know, only him and Vinicius Junior. For him to pull his shirt over his mouth and now we're having to have this conversation about did it happen or not.

    His reaction you know, Vinicius, he is not going to lie with something as serious as that, when you see that moment there you almost just feel sorry for Vinicius, and then the reaction from the crowd giving him some.

    Everyone's on social media now, people know what's going on and for him to get that abuse after he was the one who allegedly got abused, I just don't think it's right.

  9. Get Involved - 'Biggest show of character Benfica & Real Madrid will ever have'

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    This is an extremely complicated situation, we may never find out the truth. But this will be the biggest show of character Real Madrid and Benfica will ever have. Behaviour of both sets fans we be under the microscope in the return leg.

    Bernard, Brigg

  10. 'Let us see how big of a man Pestianni is'

    Thierry Henry
    Former Arsenal forward on CBS

    I can relate to what Vinicius Junior is going through. That happened to me so many times on the field. At times you feel lonely because it's going to be your word against his word, because we don't know what he has said.

    He put his shirt over his mouth. Clearly, already, he looks suspicious because he didn't want people to see what he said.

    Let's see how big of a man Prestianni is – tell us what you said.

    Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica seems with Vinicius JuniorGetty Images

  11. 'It is disgusting'

    Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said the alleged abuse of team-mate Vinicius was a "disgrace to football".

    "What has happened is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance, as well as an amazing goal," said Alexander-Arnold.

    "Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace.

    "There is no place for it in football or society. It is disgusting."

    Trent Alexander-Arnold hugging ViniciusGetty Images

  12. Recap: Mourinho & Benfica criticised over reaction to alleged abuse

    Good afternoon.

    Not the kind of live page we wanted to be bringing you today but one that is important to nonetheless.

    We'll carry on bringing you all the reaction from last night's Champions League tie between Benfica and Real Madrid, where Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was on the receiving end of alleged racial abuse.

    Here are the top lines so far:

  13. Get Involved - 'People need to wait until the facts are known'

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    Everyone comments when they have not heard what was said. Mourinho was merely stating Vin Jr there is always drama and he is correct.

    Johan, Southampton

    Right now, it's a 'he said' 'she said' kinda situation, until it's been thoroughly investigated, there should be no lighting of the torches and arming of the pitchforks, there needs to calm and not kneejerk reactionary behaviour.

    Will B, Newcastle

    People need to wait until the facts are known. Right now we have two players saying different things and we don’t know which one is telling the truth. Prestianni has denied the claims so let’s see if he is telling the truth before condemning him.

    Derek, UK

  14. 'He should have a suspension'

    Mikael Silvestre sits on the FIFA Players' Voice Panel

    Mikael Silvestre
    Former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports News

    Our WhatsApp group was on fire last night. We need to sanction this type of behaviour. Whether you put your hands in front of your mouth or covering using your shirt like Prestianni did. We also need to speak with the referees about what they can do. There should have also been an announcement on the big screen in the stadium but I don't think that was the case.

    At least there are witnesses, Kylian Mbappe came forward and said he heard what the player said. So you can at least have testimonies. It's hard, it's physically difficult for the referee to have proof of what is happening for the investigation. To return in seven days (the reverse fixture) and if something is proven to be true, then the player shouldn't be able to play. He should have a suspension, he should go into a vindication programme because this type of behaviour is not possible.

    referee Francois Letexier argues with Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica,Getty Images

  15. 'The fans went against Vinicius'

    BBC 5 Live Breakfast

    Guillem Balague spoke to BBC 5 Live about the on the racist incident at Benfica v Real Madrid match last night: "We will never know exactly what it was because Gianluca Prestianni put his shirt over his mouth.

    "The referee didn't even argue, he crossed his arms [the protocol sign that someone has been racially abused] and he stopped the game.

    "Because the referee had not heard anything, it was down to Vinicius to decide if the game was going to continue, he was approached by his manager and Álvaro Arbeloa said, 'if you want to leave we will all leave with you'.

    "The Benfica manager [José Mourinho] went to Vinicius and said that 'Benfica is not a racist club' and added to the pressure was put on him to decide if the game would continue.

    "The fans went against Vinicius and Mbappé [who started shouting very loudly to make sure the camera caught him saying to Prestianni that he is a racist man.

    "At the end of the game there was a lot of verbal exchanges in the tunnel.

    "UEFA will have to hear from everyone who wants to talk about it and decide what to do next and what kind of punishment, if any he will get.

    "Mourinho was trying to say to the media and Vinicius 'why did you celebrate like that?'. He was sent off for his reacting to the referee and many Real-Madrid fans were disappointed with Mourinho reaction because Vinicius was to blame it seems."

  16. What is the referee protocol?

    The referee signals an X with his arms during the game between Real Madrid and BenficaGetty Images

    Uefa established a three-step racism protocol to handle incidents of discrimination inside stadiums in 2009.

    It is designed to give referees the power to halt or even abandon matches if racist behaviour continues.

    If the referee becomes aware of a racist incident, they will:

    • Stop the match. If the incident involves members of the crowd, an announcement will be made over the public address system calling for any racist behaviour to stop.
    • If it continues, the game is stopped for five to 10 minutes and the players will be taken off the pitch while another announcement is made.
    • If it resumes after the second restart, the referee can abandon the game.

    A match will only be abandoned once the security of the players and public has been assessed. The case is then referred to Uefa's disciplinary authorities.

  17. Get Involved - 'Incredibly tone deaf comments'

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    Mark Clattenburg’s comments just highlight the huge issues we see in the viewpoint on this issue, let alone just the way it is approached in football. Vini Jnr made it hard for the ref? What should he do? Just accept racism and not confront it. Awful!

    Luke, Nottingham

    Is Clattenburg seriously making the ref the victim in all this? Incredibly tone deaf.

    Gary, Walthamstow

    Rubbish from Clattenberg If Vinicius was abused he has the right and responsibility to report it to the referee

    Peter, Birmingham

  18. 'Vinicius has a right to celebrate'

    CBS Football Correspondent, James Benge, on Clattenburg's claims that Vinicius made the situation 'very, very difficult' for the referee:

    "Mark Clattenburg doing his former profession no favours. Vinicius Junior celebrated, as is his right. Nothing Vini could possibly do would merit what he alleges happened to him. If he doesn't want to play then the game needs to stop."

    Vinicius celebratingGetty Images

  19. 'Vinicius made the situation very difficult for the ref'

    Mark Clattenburg
    Former Premier League referee on Amazon Prime

    Once Vinicius Junior has approached the referee, the referee now has to follow the protocol, he has to follow the rules that Uefa have set out when this happens.

    The problem in this situation is that Vinicius Junior has not helped himself. He has made this difficult for the referee.

    He scored a wonderful goal and all he has to do is, yes celebrate, but return back. He has made this situation very, very difficult.

    Vinicius Junior and the referee crossing his armsGetty Images

  20. 'How are we still sitting here talking about racism?'

    Rio Ferdinand
    Former Man Utd defender on Instagram

    Shoutout to Trent and Kylian Mbappé for backing Vinicius Junior last night. How are we still sitting here talking about racism? How are people trying to justify when someone says someone racist? Vini is to blame?

    He should not celebrate like that? How? We cannot accept this. Football is the beautiful game because it is the beautiful game. But this kind of rubbish sets it back so much. The authorities have to do something.

    I can't understand why people are trying to justify someone's stupidness just because another player scored an unbelievable goal, a spectacular goal…

    Trent and Kylian Mbappé for backing Vinicius JuniorGetty Images