Real Madrid’s win against Benfica in the Champions League was a “victory for everyone who stands against racism”, according to midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, as Vinicius Jr scored the decisive goal a week after he accused opponent Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racist slur at him.
Vinicius said “the dance goes on” as he posted on Instagram after sending Real Madrid through to the last-16 with a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu. The Brazilian forward said he was racially abused by Prestianni after celebrating towards the Benfica fans in last week’s first leg in Lisbon.
Prestianni, who denies the allegations, was provisionally suspended from the match while Uefa investigates the incident. But there was an outpouring of support from the Real Madrid supporters, with a “no to racism” banner displayed before kick-off.
Vinicius repaid their support with a cool 80th-minute finish, which secured a 2-1 win on the night and 3-1 on aggregate after France international Tchouameni had equalised earlier in the match.
“I think there are more important things than this match, than football,” said Tchouameni. “Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. This is a victory for everyone who stands against racism.”
Benfica had appealed against the decision to ban Prestianni, but Uefa dismissed the Portuguese club’s case on Wednesday afternoon.
“Mr Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next Uefa club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible,” a statement read.
Uefa appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator (EDI) following the first leg and made a swift decision.
Uefa said on Monday the imposition of a provisional suspension was “without prejudice to any ruling that the Uefa disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the Uefa disciplinary bodies”.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho was suspended from the second leg after he was sent off in Lisbon. The Portuguese was criticised after the match for suggest Vinicius provoked the abuse by celebrating towards the Benfica fans and said in “a stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always”.
Mourinho did not hold a pre-match or post-match press conference due to his suspension and had to watch from the stands as his side exited the competition. Mourinho’s comments were criticised by Vincent Kompany, while anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out accused Mourinho of “gaslighting”.
