Racism allegations in Portugal overshadowed another fine result in the Arctic and the holders being pushed by their Ligue 1 rivals
Nothing should divert attention away from what happened after Vinícius Júnior’s goal for Real Madrid in their 1-0 victory at Benfica on Tuesday. It would be frivolous to do so. The Brazilian scored one of the finest goals of a career marked by spectacular strikes, but this week’s Champions League action will be remembered for the regrettable flashpoint that followed.
Vinícius says Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him in the melee that followed the Brazilian’s goal celebration. Benfica, whose social media account went into overdrive, and the player, continue to deny the accusations.
Benfica’s coach, José Mourinho said he wanted to remain “independent” of casting judgment. Then he suggested Vinícius had incited the response, before effectively making the ridiculous claim Benfica can’t be racist because their finest ever player was Eusebio, who was Black. Mourinho’s intervention was unhelpful and ill-considered.
Vinícius’s refusal to shut up and dribble, a position with which Kylian Mbappé offered total solidarity, means Tuesday’s events in Lisbon cannot disappear into the ether. The modern game intersects with wider societal attitudes. Will Uefa treat the issue with deserved gravitas? That is not always guaranteed.
