Scandal during Real victory

Controversy in the Champions League: “He should never play again”

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni (left) is alleged to have insulted Real star Vinicius (second from right).(Bild: AFP/FILIPE AMORIM)

Following the alleged racism scandal during Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Benfica Lisbon in the first leg of the play-off, Kylian Mbappe has spoken out. "He should never play in the Champions League again, because we have to be role models for all children," said the superstar about Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.

What happened? Referee Francois Letexier interrupted the match for almost ten minutes on Tuesday evening after Vinicius scored the opening goal for the Spanish side in the 50th minute. The star striker had reported a racist insult by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni to the referee.

According to several media reports and Real players, Vinicius claimed that the word "mono" was used – a Spanish expression for monkey. This is unlikely to be proven, as Prestianni had pulled his jersey over his mouth and nose during the verbal altercation.

"The values of soccer have been lost"
Mbappe speaks of a "serious incident." "He called Vinicius a monkey. He said it five times. Today, all the values of football have been lost," the Frenchman rants. "I asked Vini what he wants to do. Whatever he decides, we as a team will stand by him." Only after lengthy discussions was the match resumed.

This is what Prestianni says
A few hours after the final whistle, Prestianni also spoke out on social media. "I want to make it clear that at no point did I make racist insults towards Vinicius," said the Argentine, who regrets the reactions of the Real players. 

The explosive return leg in Madrid is coming up in a week.