Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on 18 February was overshadowed by fresh allegations of racism involving Vinicius Junior, prompting strong responses from Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior.
The match in Lisbon was halted for 10 minutes under FIFA’s anti-racism protocol after Vinicius informed the referee that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni had directed a racist slur at him during a confrontation. The Argentine midfielder, who later denied the allegation, had been involved in an exchange after Vinicius celebrated in front of the home supporters.
UEFA confirmed on 19 February that it is reviewing the incident and investigating allegations of discriminatory behaviour.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on 22 February, Slot insisted football must continue to lead the fight against racism.
“In general you can never do enough,” said the Dutchman. “You can always do more to make sure this never happens again. We have to try as a football community to do more than society does. The protocol was followed in the game, that’s the first step.”
Slot added that he would expect his own players to respond in the same manner if confronted with similar abuse, backing immediate action from both players and officials.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior also delivered a powerful message prior to his side’s league fixture against Burnley on 21 February. While careful not to comment directly on an ongoing investigation, Rosenior made his stance clear.
“Any form of racism in society is unacceptable,” he said. “When you see a player as upset as Vinicius Junior was, normally they’re upset for a reason. I’ve been racially abused myself.”
Rosenior, who has previously spoken openly about discrimination, stressed that those found guilty of racism have no place in the sport.
“If any coach, player or manager is ever found guilty of racism, they shouldn’t be in the game. It’s as simple as that for me.”
The incident adds to a troubling pattern for Vinicius, who has repeatedly been subjected to racist abuse since joining Real Madrid in 2018. European football’s governing body now faces renewed calls to ensure firm and decisive action.
