While UEFA is reviewing the Champions League clash, the FIFA chief has called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
Gianni Infantino has expressed his support for Vinicius Junior over the accusations of the Brazilian being racially abused when Real Madrid won 1-0 against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.
The issue arose right after the Brazilian scored the only goal to seal the victory at Estadio da Luz, with Benfica’s winger Gianluca Prestianni allegedly making racist remarks at him. Referee Francois Letexier stopped the match to activate UEFA’s anti-racism protocol and the governing body has since confirmed that they are looking into the incident.
Infantino was quick to condemn such behavior and exclaimed that “football has no space for racism”. He urged the authorities to identify the culprits and hold them responsible. Apart from that, he also congratulated the referee on the way he dealt with the situation and reiterated FIFA’s pledge in the fight against all forms of discrimination
Besides officials, other players have also come out in support of Vinicius, with former player Thierry Henry criticising UEFA for their lack of effective action against racism and calling for real action instead of just empty gestures.
According to UEFA’s rules, confirmed discriminatory behavior is punishable by long suspensions, although obtaining proof might be challenging, as the alleged insult was said while the player covered his mouth. The focus is back on the second leg in Spain as Madrid keeps their fingers crossed for UEFA’s decision.
