Vini: “Racists are cowards!” Mbappe wants alleged insulter out of UCL: “We’re not idiots!”

The clash on the pitch is over, but the “war” off it between Real Madrid and Benfica has just begun. All because of Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior and the alleged case of racist abuse by the Argentinian, who reportedly insulted the Brazilian following his winner and a rather controversial celebration which enraged both the home fans and players.

Consequently, Vini refused to play, prompting a 10-minute break, while the referee, Francois Letexier, activated the anti-racism protocol. The game ended 1-0 to Madrid, but tempers are still flaring after the final whistle.

All about Vini: Stellar winning screamer, racism, walkout... and Madrid's win over Benfica

First and foremost, the alleged victim, Vinicius, issued a statement regarding the case, slamming Prestianni, without mentioning his name, though.

“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,” he wrote via Yahoo Sports Canada.

His teammate, Kylian Mbappe, was harsh as well, and even demanded that Benfica’s winger be expelled from the Champions League forever.

“I will tell you the full story of what happened: Vinicius scored, and what a goal! He celebrated. Then the fans booed. These things happen, they happen, and they will happen in football.”

“Then there was a tense moment with the Benfica players. It’s best if things don’t escalate further, but that’s also possible, because, as you know, it’s the Champions League, the best club competition in the world.”

Is Guler really bullied in Real’s dressing room?

“There was player number 25 from Benfica—I don’t want to mention his name, he doesn’t deserve it—who started speaking rudely and saying insults. That’s also unacceptable, but it happens in football and it will always happen. Then he put his shirt down here and said, ‘m****y, m****y, m****y, m****y, m****y.”

“I heard him say it, and some Benfica players heard him too, and then everything you saw started.”

“I have the utmost respect for Benfica and their coach, who is one of the best in history and who made history with Real Madrid, but in my opinion, this player doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore.”

“Did you see his face? An apology? From him? We’re not idiots. I’m not saying I’m a perfect guy, but I would never let that kind of thing of slide. He’s young, sure, but how can you say something like that on a pitch?” Mbappe concluded his emotional speech via SPORTbible and Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman wasn’t the only one who stood by Vini’s side, as all his teammates gave him support. Los Blancos vice-captain Federico Valverde called the situation “shameful”, while Trent Alexander-Arnold said it was “a disgrace to football”.

In the end, we can only state that this isn’t over. Who knows what will happen in seven days when the two sides meet again at Santiago Bernabeu…

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - PLAYOFFS

First leg

Tuesday

Galatasaray - Juventus 5-2 (1-2)

/Sara 15, Lang 49, 75, Sanchez 60, Boey 86 - Koopmeiners 16, 32/

Benfica - Real Madrid 0-1 (0-0)

/Vinicius 50/

Dortmund - Atalanta 2-0 (2-0)

/Guirassy 3, Beier 42/

Monaco - PSG 2-3 (2-2)

/Balogun 1, 18 - Doue 29, 67, Hakimi 41/

Wednesday

20.45: (7.75) Qarabag (4.50) Newcastle (1.42)

23.00: (5.00) Bodo (3.90) Inter (1.68)

23.00: (3.85) Club Brugge (3.90) Atl.Madrid (1.95)

23.00: (2.50) Olympiakos (3.35) Leverkusen (2.85)

***odds are subject to change***