LISBON: Benfica have begun an investigation into two fans who were filmed making what appeared to be monkey gestures in the direction of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during the two sides’ Champions League match earlier this week.

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During Tuesday’s match in Lisbon, Brazilian forward Vinicius accused Benfica’s Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him.

Prestianni, 20, denies calling Vinicius a monkey and Benfica have stood by their player, claiming he was the victim of defamation.

European football’s governing body UEFA has said it will “investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior.”