Benfica vs Real Madrid: Eagles star accused of calling Vinicius 'Monkey'

An allegation of racism marred an entertaining tie between Real Madrid and Benfica, which involved Brazilian winger Vinicius and Argentine youngster Gianluca Prestianni.

The game was stopped in the 50th minute, and the anti-racism protocol ensued after Vinicius reported the Benfica star to French referee Francois Letexier. A fracas broke out, and the game was held up for about ten minutes before play continued.

The 25-year-old scored a screamer in the 50th minute of the Champions League play-off first-leg clash against Benfica at Estadio Da Luz. After scoring, he broke out a celebration worthy of the brilliant goal he scored, dancing at the corner flag.

Vinicius's celebration was in front of Benfica fans. They were roused by what appeared to be a taunt and reacted, whistling, cursing, and throwing objects onto the pitch.

The former Flamengo star was shown a yellow card for his celebration, which sparked an on-pitch fracas in addition to the reaction it stoked from the fans. After the tension died down, with the game set for a restart, Vinicius charged at the referee, pointing to Prestianni, seemingly reporting an incident of racism as Letexier initiated the anti-racist protocol.

Vinicius motioned to the stands, where he was spoken to by Jose Mourinho as well as Alvaro Arbeloa. Amid the confusion, the broadcaster ran a replay, showing Prestianni covering his mouth with his jersey while facing Vinicius, seemingly saying something to him.

According to Marca, 20-year-old Prestianni has been accused of calling Vinicius a 'monkey', an insult with overt racist intentions. Both Vinicius and Prestianni resumed the match after about ten minutes. The Benfica star was eventually substituted off in the 81st minute by the recently returned Dodi Lukebakio.