Benfica reiterated this Wednesday, February 18th, full confidence in the version presented by Gianluca Prestianniwho denied the insults directed at Vinícius Jr. during Tuesday’s game, in Luz, with Real Madrid, in the Champions League play-offs. In a statement, the red-blacks regret what they consider to be a “smear campaign” against the Argentine international.
The club guaranteed “total spirit of collaboration” with UEFA, which has since appointed an Ethics and Discipline Inspector to investigate the case, with the expectation of hearing both players in the coming days.
Here is the statement from Sport Lisboa e Benfica in full:
Sport Lisboa e Benfica views with a total spirit of collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarification the measures announced today by UEFA, in the wake of the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid.
The Club clearly and unequivocally reaffirms its historic and uncompromising commitment to defending the values of equality, respect and inclusion, which are in line with the core values of its foundation and which have Eusébio as their greatest symbol.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica also reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by the player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct at the service of the Club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define Benfica’s identity. The Club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim.
Infantino shocked by incident
One of the several reactions in the last few hours regarding this case was from Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, who was “shocked and saddened” by the incident.
“I was shocked and saddened to see the alleged incident of racism against Vinícius Júnior in the European Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid“, wrote the director in a post on the ‘stories’ on the social network Instagram.
Infantino reiterated that there is no place for racism in football or in society, adding that it is necessary “for all relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account”.
In the same message, the top leader of the body that governs world football praised the match’s referee, Frenchman François Letexier, “for activating the anti-racism protocol by using arm gestures to stop the game and manage the situation”.
On Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, which Real Madrid won 1-0 at Estádio da Luz, Vinícius Júnior, scorer of the only goal of the match, was allegedly the target of a racist insult from Argentine Gianluca Prestianni, Benfica winger.
François Letexier interrupted the meeting and activated the anti-racism protocol, with the match resuming around 10 minutes later.
After the game, Prestianni denied any racist insult, while the Brazilian international and other Real Madrid players confirmed the offense attributed to the Argentine.
nuno.tibirica@dn.pt
*With Lusa
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