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News in English (USA) / 18.02.2026 / 17:00

Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Racism In Champions League Match

The Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica has been overshadowed by serious allegations of racism directed at Vinicius Junior. Following incidents during the game, Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse, leading to the referee activating the anti-racism protocol. Prominent figures such as Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold have voiced their support for Vinicius, calling for justice and demanding accountability. Meanwhile, Prestianni has denied the accusations, and Benfica has responded by alleging a defamation campaign against their player. The situation has drawn widespread criticism towards Jose Mourinho for his remarks which some have labeled as victim blaming. UEFA has announced an investigation into the allegations, sparking further outrage and calls for action against racism in football.
The New York Times, ESPN, The Guardian, USA Today, BBC, Yahoo Sports, CNN, Real Madrid CF | Web Oficial, Al Jazeera, AP News