Getty Images Sport
Statements from Vinicius Junior and Prestianni
A statement from European football’s governing body read: “The official match reports from last night’s fixtures are currently being reviewed. When incidents are reported, procedures are initiated and, if these result in disciplinary sanctions, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. At this time, we have no further information to provide and no additional comments to make.”
Vinicius issued a statement after the game, in which he said: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don’t like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Prestianni stated in a social media post: “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at the player Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thinks he heard. I have never been racist towards anyone. And I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
Portuguese government opens investigation
The Portuguese government, through the Authority for the Prevention and Fight against Violence in Sport (APCVD), will now be looking into the incident – as they seek to determine whether a racist attack took place.
A statement published on the state body’s official website read: “Following reports in the media regarding alleged insults/acts of racism directed at Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr. during the match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF, corresponding to the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off, held at the Estadio da Luz, a competition organised by UEFA, the Authority for the Prevention and Fight against Violence in Sport (APCVD) has initiated administrative sanction proceedings to clarify the facts.”
News
“Behind Superman’s Mask” — The Untold Sacrifice Natalie Viscuso Made to Shield Henry Cavill From Obsessed Fans and Public Scrutiny.
To the public, Henry Cavill is the embodiment of invincibility. From donning the cape of Superman to swinging swords as Geralt of…
“A Journey Begins With One Step.” — Henry Cavill Reveals the 1 Movie That Sparked His Dream, and Why A Gift From Its Star at Age 16 Still Guides His Career.
Long before he became one of Hollywood’s most physically commanding leading men, Henry Cavill was just another teenager navigating boarding school life…
“He Was a Sadist.” — Henry Cavill Finally Names the One Action Director Who Pushed Him to the Brink and the 12-Hour Sword Drill That Snapped His Leg.
“He Was a Sadist.” — Henry Cavill Finally Names the One Action Director Who Pushed Him to the Brink and…
BREAKING NEWS: Henry Cavill Just Brought The Whole World To Tears… For The First Time, He Talked About His Childhood, Being Cruelly Bullied, And Almost Giving Up Acting Forever.
Henry Cavill, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, is no stranger to playing powerful characters on screen, but behind his…
HEARTBREAKING FINAL DAYS: Eric Dane’s Wife Rebecca Gayheart Breaks Silence – “He Was Surrounded by Love, But Watching Him Fade Was Pure Torture… Our Girls Held His Hand Till the End!”
In the quiet, agonizing final chapter of Eric Dane’s life, his devoted wife Rebecca Gayheart has opened up about the…
Viola Davis Spoke Out About Unequal Opportunity and Compensation for Women of Color in Hollywood
In conversation with Tina Brown as part of the Women in the World salon in Los Angeles this week, Tony-, Emmy-, and Oscar-winner Viola Davis spoke…
End of content
No more pages to load
