Trent Alexander-Arnold has slammed the alleged racist abuse that Vinicius Junior was subject to during Real Madrid’s win over Benfica. Real’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for around 10 minutes on Tuesday night after Vinicius reported alleged racist abuse.
The incident came after the Brazil international fired his side ahead when he cut inside and worked some space for himself before bending an unbelievable shot into the top corner from the tightest of angles. But after celebrating his goal, Vinicius ran to speak to match referee Francois Letexier, who immediately stopped the game. The Frenchman responded to the complaint by crossing his arms in front of his face, activating FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopping the match.
He then walked off the pitch and was followed by his Real team-mates, but play restarted 10 minutes later, in the 60th minute. The match was played out to its conclusion, with Real winning 1-0 after 12 minutes of stoppage time, in which Jose Mourinho was sent off.
And speaking after the game, a clearly upset and shocked Alexander-Arnold said: “I can’t comment too much on it, as it is an ongoing investigation at this point.
“I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance as well after an amazing goal.
“Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace. No place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”
Before the former Liverpool man added: “I don’t know if he [Vinicius Junior] took persuading or not [to come back on to the pitch]. I think he wanted to carry on. He has got a strong mentality.
“He has been subject to this a few times throughout his career and he handled it excellently.
“A hostile environment, passionate and clearly upset with the way, maybe the way Vini celebrated. I am not sure what set them off like that. The hostile environment, we are used to it as a team and players.”
Asked what the punishment should be for racial abuse, the defender said: “That is out of my hands. I think it is a difficult situation.
“The referee said he did say whatever he did say with his shirt over his mouth. Hopefully there is justice involved with whatever happens.”
Giving his take, Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa said: “You have to ask Benfica’s players, it is not a question for me. I think everyone can see what happened.
“What Vini said is not important. What can I say? Of course we have to fight against this type of attitude. If we don’t respect each other then that is a problem.”
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