Vinícius Júnior walks off in protest, Prestianni accused of racist abuse

A stunning individual goal from Vinícius Júnior was overshadowed by claims that he had been racially abused by a member of the Benfica team.

The Brazilian had clashed with members of the Benfica team after scoring the goal early in the second half. Just as players were lining up to restart the game, Vinícius reacted angrily to something said by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.

Vinicius immediately got the referee’s attention, appeared to make the allegation of racist abuse and walked from the field. Real Madrid players and staff appeared incensed by the comments and the game was only able to restart after a ten-minute delay.

AS in Spain reports that Vinícius told officials that Prestianni had used the word ‘mono’, meaning ‘monkey’ in Spanish. That particular racist slur has been used extensively to target Vinícius in Spain.

More on this breaking news story as it develops...

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