Real Madrid’s 1-0 win at Benfica in the UEFA Champions League was marred by further allegations of abuse aimed at the Spanish club’s Brazilian international Vinicius Junior.The 25-year-old forward, who has 45 caps to his name and will lead Brazil’s attack at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been the victim of a series of instances of racist abuse, with 18 legal complaints filed against racist behaviour targeting him since 2022.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listThe latest alleged incident, following an exchange with Benfica’s Argentinian winger Gianluca Prestianni and a subsequent row with the home side’s manager Jose Mourinho, saw Real leave the field of play at the Portuguese club’s Estadio da Luz, or the Stadium of Light, for 10 minutes on Tuesday.What led to Vinicius and Real Madrid leaving the pitch?The match, which was the first leg of the playoff tie between the clubs for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, had reached the 55th minute when Vinicius and his teammates retreated to their dressing room.Vinicius had just given Real the lead with a stunning, curled effort, but was then booked for an excessive celebration, which Vinicius disputes.The Brazilian was clearly confronted by Prestianni at this point, and this is where the controversy began.The Argentinian lifted his shirt over his mouth to say something to Vinicius, who, along with nearby teammates, allege was a racial slur.Referee Francois Letexier halted the match for 11 minutes after activating FIFA’s antiracism protocols.Why is Mourinho drawing criticism following the incident?As Real left the field, Mourinho and Vini …
