Despite a controlled performance from Real Madrid, as they lead Benfica 1-0 following the Champions League knockout play-off first leg in Lisbon on Tuesday night, the environment was anything but. In all, there were 12 minutes of stoppage time at the end of a match in which Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands for a second yellow card after coming out of his technical area and home supporters threw objects onto the pitch.
The main talking point, however – a sinister turn of events that will no doubt be discussed long after the final whistle – was the one that saw Vinicius Junior score the only goal of the match, celebrate in front of opposition fans, and then be sent into a fit of rage by comments made by Argentinian opponent Gianluca Prestianni, before both sets of players and coaching staff locked horns as scuffles spilled onto the pitch.
Shortly after the incident, which saw Mourinho try to cool Vinicius Jr down and seemingly extend his support, Mark Clattenburg – acting as Amazon Prime’s referee expert – alleged the winger might have been subject to racial abuse, but he has since quickly garnered backlash for the comments that followed.
Speaking on Amazon Prime Video’s coverage, former referee Clattenburg explained: “Words have been said between the players. Vinicius is not happy with what has been said. The referee is following the protocol for a racial comment that has been said. Once Vinicius has approached the referee the referee now has to follow the protocol and the rules that UEFA have set out when this happens.”
He continued: “As a referee, I have had this situation before when players have reported a racial comment on the field of play. All he can do is make the report. Afterwards, then UEFA will look into this. As a referee it is very difficult in this situation.” Shortly after the match got back underway as the Estadio da Luz crowd booed the winger’s every touch, he concluded:
“This is not the referee’s fault. Vinicius Jr, yes he’s scored a wonderful goal, but he should’ve just returned over to the other side of the pitch, and he could’ve got on with the game.”
It is likely his final remarks that have led to a target being placed on his back as viewers call for him to be taken off-air for future Champions League fixtures. “Clattenburg blaming Vinicius for ‘creating’ this situation is utterly disgraceful by the way,” one X user wrote, as a second added: “Mark Clattenburg is a disgrace!”
A third user remarked: Mark Clattenburg… how have you just said that?! Vinicius Junior hasn’t ‘made it difficult’ He can celebrate in front of the crowd as much as he likes. That does not, under any circumstances, legitimise alleged racist abuse from Prestianni.” A fourth concluded: “Mark Clattenburg, get a clue. Saying Vinicius Junior has ‘made it difficult’. He can celebrate scoring in front of the crowd, there is NOTHING wrong with that. This shouldn’t have to be said.”
Gianni Infantino Shares Statement on Vinicius Jr and Gianluca Prestianni Incident
The FIFA president has made his feelings clear.
Clattenburg Apologises in Statement After Backlash
Amid the fallout, Clattenburg has now taken to social media to apologise for his comments. He admitted that his wording was ‘not right’, explaining:
“Nothing justifies racism in sport or in life. I’m grateful to have a chance to follow-up on last night. I got it wrong, I’m sorry.
“It was live TV, my job is to respond to the moment and the words I used were clumsy and not right.
“I’m already learning from this and appreciate my colleagues who covered the situation with class throughout.”
Repercussions Loom as Fallout Rumbles On
The incident overshadowed a stunning strike from Vinicius Jr to put the visitors in front. Having received the ball on the left wing, he cut into the penalty area before finding the top corner.
Sadly, however, racial prejudice getting in the way of the winger’s rise to prominence seems to be a common theme in what should be his finest moments in the beautiful game. ESPN documented 16 specific instances of racist abuse against him as of May 2024, and investigations will now begin by UEFA regarding what punishment Prestianni should face.
According to UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations (specifically Article 14 on racism and other discriminatory conduct), a player found guilty of racist behavior – such as insulting the human dignity of a person or group on grounds including race, skin color, ethnic origin, etc.- incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches (or a corresponding period of time, or any other appropriate sanction).
This minimum 10-match ban applies across UEFA competitions, including the Champions League, and has been in place since updates in 2013 to strengthen penalties against racism. It is the standard minimum for players or officials committing such offences.
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