Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe supported teammate Vinicius Junior’s claim of being racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during their 1-0 win in the UEFA Champions League first-leg Playoff on Tuesday, by alleging that the Brazilian winger was called ‘monkey’ five times.
Prestianni was seen covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinicius after the latter’s goal. Vinicius appeared to react furiously to what Prestianni said and went over to the referee, who subsequently paused the game for 10 minutes, while adhering to FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Kylian Mbappe
“I don’t want to say his name because he doesn’t deserve to be named, [but he] started speaking badly. Then he pulled his jersey [to cover his mouth] to say that Vini is a monkey five times. I heard it,” Mbappe told Spain’s TVE.
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said that Prestianni had denied racially abusing Vinicius, and hit out at the Brazilian for inciting Benfica’s players and fans with his celebration. “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,” said Mourinho, who was sent off for protesting that Vinicius should have received a second booking.
Vinicius wrote on Instagram: “Racists are cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to show how weak they are, But they have, at their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, are obligated to punish.”
The incident is now being probed by UEFA.
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