The much-anticipated Champions League playoff clash between Benfica and Real Madrid was mired in controversy amid ugly scenes after half-time of the first leg at the Estadio da Luz.
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Vinicius Jr. put Madrid ahead in spectacular fashion, but the game went off track shortly after. During the goal celebration, objects were thrown at the Brazil international and Vini was cautioned by the referee for his actions while dancing provocatively against the corner flag.
This angered the Benfica players, who were not happy with the celebration, which took place in front of the Benfica fans. In the ensuing melee between players from both teams, the match referee reported an incident of alleged racist abuse.
Here’s everything we know about the incident. Sporting News will provide updates and news after the match.
FURTHER: ‘Non-racism’ gesture in football: FIFA’s crossed arm ‘X’ sign used in La Liga and Champions League explained
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What happened to Vinicius in Benfica vs. Real Madrid?
In the 50th minute, Vinicius cut inside Amar Dedic and fired a sensational shot beyond Trubin into the far corner.
He snuck out to celebrate, putting his ear close to the Benfica crown before dancing next to the corner flag in front of a section of the jeering and jeering home fans. Some objects were thrown towards Vinicius and the group of celebrating Madrid players.
Then, the Brazilian striker separated from the group and hit his fist again in the direction of the home fans. At that point, referee François Letexier signaled for Vinicius to move away from the stands and veteran Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi confronted the scorer.
Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid
Vinicius continued to enjoy the moment in a possibly incendiary way. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni confronted him and Vinicus was booked. Then, Gianluca Prestianni said something to Vinicius with his shirt covering his mouth. After this, tempers clearly flared on the Madrid side. Kylian Mbappé was among those angry and his teammate Antonio Rudiger tried to calm the French forward.
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Vinicius then ran towards Letexier and apparently gestured in the direction of Prestianni. At that point, the referee made the sign of crossing his arms over his head to indicate that an incident of racist abuse had been reported. At that time, discussions continued between the players and members of the coaching staff entered the field.
Immediately afterwards, one of the Real Madrid players was sent off. Meanwhile, José Mourinho spoke with Vinicius, hugging each other from behind. Vinicius spoke in the ear of the Benfica coach before Mbappé joined the conversation.
Vinícius took some time sitting away from the fight on the Madrid bench, but was reunited with his teammates when the match resumed after a 10-minute delay.
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Before full-time, Mourinho was sent off for berating Letexier over an unrelated matter, and was shown a second yellow card that will likely see him suspended for the second leg at the Bernabeu.
More to follow