Infantino sends warning as investigation into Vinicius Jr racism claims opened

UEFA have confirmed that they have launched an investigation following allegations from Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr that he was racially abused during the match with Benfica

FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists he is “shocked and saddened” by the incidents of alleged racism during the game between Real Madrid and Benfica.

UEFA has launched an investigation into claims from Vinicius Jr that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni used racist language towards him.

The Champions League match was stopped for 10 minutes by referee Francois Letexier, with both sets of players leaving the pitch shortly after Vinicius had given his side the lead. Prestianni and Benfica have denied the allegations.

But UEFA will now review video footage of the incident and speak to both Prestianni and Vinicius Jr as part of the investigation. And Infantino believes those responsible should be held to account and face serious punishment if found guilty of being racist.

He said: “I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinícius Júnior in the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid CF.

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READ MORE: Inside UEFA investigation as Benfica star faces 10-MATCH ban after Vinicius Jr racism claimREAD MORE: Jose Mourinho accused of justifying racism as pundits criticise Vinicius Jr comments

“There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society. We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.

“At FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players’ Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur.

“I commend referee François Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the game and address the situation. “FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”

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Vinicius Jr, meanwhile, took to social media to brand racists “cowards”. The Brazilian has been the victim of discrimination several times in the past.

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.”

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