Mbappe claims Benfica’s Prestianni called Vinicius a monkey five times, prompting a 10-minute Champions League pause in Real Madrid vs Benfica
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe, has confirmed that he heard alleged racial remarks directed at his teammate, Vinicius Junior, by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during their Champions League knockout play-off.
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The match was paused for 10 minutes after Vinicius initially refused to continue playing following the incident.
Vinicius had just scored the only goal of the game when he clashed with Prestianni, who allegedly pulled his shirt over his mouth and made the offensive comment.
Mbappe told reporters after the game:
“The number 25 from Benfica – I don’t want to say his name, because he doesn’t deserve it.
He pulled up his shirt [to cover his mouth and said ‘Vinícius is a monkey’ five times.
I heard it, there are players from Benfica that heard it too.”
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The referee, Francois Letexier, was forced to pause the game for 10 minutes following the incident, highlighting the severity of the situation.
