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Vinícius and Prestianni Set to Meet Again a Week After Racism Allegation in Champions League Match
UEFA activated an anti-racism protocol and launched an investigation after Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of using a racial slur in their first leg match.
- Wednesday, Real Madrid will host Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, a week after Vinícius accused Prestianni of a racial slur, which UEFA is investigating.
- Celebration at the Benfica corner flag halted play nearly 10 minutes and activated the anti-racism protocol, but Prestianni denies the insult.
- Vinícius received a yellow card after his celebration, and Benfica will be without coach José Mourinho on Wednesday after he was sent off by the match referee.
- UEFA's open probe as of Monday leaves sanctions unresolved, and Vinícius played and scored in Madrid's 2-1 loss at Osasuna on Saturday while Prestianni missed Benfica's 3-0 win due to suspension.
- The incident highlights racism concerns in European football as UEFA investigates a contested claim; the anti-racism protocol was activated, but UEFA had made no ruling as of Monday.
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26 Articles
26 Articles
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Why Jose Mourinho will not speak before Benfica play Real Madrid in Champions League
Mourinho was criticised for his post-match comments after Vinicius Jr said he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who is suspended from the second leg
·London, United Kingdom
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The Brazilian player accused the Argentine striker of calling him "monkey" in the game played in Lisbon.
Mid Florida NewspapersReposted by 
Rocky Mountain Outlook
Rocky Mountain OutlookUEFA provisionally suspends Gianluca Prestianni after accusation he racially abused Vinícius Júnior.
Uncertainty grows about a possible penalty before the duel in the Bernabéu
February 23, 2026 ✅ Champions League. What did the footballer say?: Bayern midfielder Jamal Musiala commented on the racist incident that occurred during the Champions League match between Benfica and... ᐉ football news ⚽ on UA-Football
Coverage Details
Total News Sources26
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 36%
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