Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was delayed for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to play on following a comment made to him by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Vinicius Jr had just given Real the lead when he was confronted by Prestianni who pulled his shirt up over his mouth before saying something to the Madrid striker.
Vinicius Jr immediately ran to speak to match referee Francois Letexier who immediately stopped the game.
Following Vinicius Jr’s initial complaint, the referee responded by crossing his arms in front of his face, activating FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopping the match.
Vinicius Jr speaks to referee Francois Letexier after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni appeared to make a comment towards him
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was seen trying to console a visibly upset Vinicius Jr and a member of the Benfica coaching staff was shown a red card during the lengthy stoppage.
More to follow…