Racism allegations overshadow Real Madrid’s Champions League victory
Trent Alexander-Arnold has branded the racist abuse incident during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica a “disgrace to football” that marred what should have been a memorable evening, reports BritPanorama.
The match at the Estadio da Luz was suspended for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse to referee Francois Letexier. Play resumed in the 60th minute following discussions between staff from both clubs, including Benfica manager Jose Mourinho.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the 1-0 win, Alexander-Arnold stated, “I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance as well after an amazing goal.” Vinicius, who celebrated a spectacular goal in the 50th minute, faced abusive comments and objects thrown from the stands, one striking him during stoppage time.
After receiving a yellow card for his exuberant celebration, which appeared to inflame tensions in the stadium, Vinicius was seen in conversation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni before approaching the referee while pointing towards the opposition player. He left the field alongside his Real Madrid teammates in solidarity before the match resumed.
Alexander-Arnold added, “I don’t know if he took persuading or not to come back on to the pitch. I think he wanted to carry on. He has got a strong mentality.” Vincent Junior has previously encountered racist abuse, with five individuals receiving suspended prison sentences last year for racially abusing him, marking the first conviction for such an incident at a football match in Spain.
UEFA’s three-step racism protocol, established in 2009, mandates stopping play as the initial response to incidents of discrimination within stadiums. Alexander-Arnold expressed hope for accountability, stating, “I think it is a difficult situation. The referee said he did say whatever he did say with his shirt over his mouth. Hopefully, there is justice involved with whatever happens.”
As football grapples with lingering issues of racism, tonight’s events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change and the collective responsibility of the sport to foster an environment free from discrimination, both on and off the pitch.
