Vinicius Jr alleges racist abuse as Benfica vs Real Madrid suspended

Real Madrid took on Portuguese side Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League playoff at the Estadio da Luz but the match was marred by a shocking incident after the break

Real Madrid's clash with Benfica in the Champions League was suspended after Vinicus Jr was allegedly targeted by racist abuse.

The Brazilian winger had given the Spanish side the lead in Portugal with a stunning goal and celebrated in front of the Benfica supporters. But he was then approached by the referee and was booked.

He then reported an alleged incident of racism to the referee, with the game brought to a halt due to UEFA protocols. It came after an exchange with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.

That saw Vincius go to the Real Madrid bench, where he sat on his own for some time.

Eventually, he returned to the pitch after a 10-minute break and a discussion with Jose Mourinho, with the game then getting back underway. A member of the Benfica backroom team was also given a red card in the incident.

The game resumed with loud jeers and boos from the home support every time a Real player touched the ball.

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Explaining the incident, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said: "Words have been said between the players. Vinicius is not happy with what has been said. The referee is following the protocol for an alleged racial comment.

"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.

"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, UEFA will look into this. As a referee it is very difficult in this situation."

Alan Shearer added: "We don't know what's been said to him. We can see Jose Mourinho down there and he's gone speaking to Real Madrid staff and Vini Jr himself to calm him down.

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"It's such a shame, isn't it? We should be talking about an excellent piece of skill and how he produced a piece of magic which this game needed.

"Calm heads are needed because you can hear the crowd going after the players - as tough as that may be."

Vinicius and Trent Alexander-Arnold had objects thrown at them during the final minutes of the clash.

Real went on to win the first leg 1-0. The second leg will take place at the Bernabeu next Wednesday. Mourinho was sent off in the closing minutes of the game for an outburst at the referee.

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