Vini Jr’s Celebration Sparks Controversy in Champions League Clash

Tension After Goal

Vini Jr played a pivotal role in securing a first-leg victory in the playoffs, but his exuberant celebrations incited ire among the home supporters. Following his goal, he received a yellow card for his actions, which escalated into a confrontation with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni as they returned to the center of the pitch.

Allegations of Racial Abuse

The Brazilian forward reported to the referee an accusation of racial abuse directed at him by the Argentine player. As a result, the match was paused for 10 minutes in accordance with UEFA protocols, during which tensions remained high.

Mbappe Stands Up for Vini Jr

Following the game, Kylian Mbappe passionately defended Vini Jr, stating: “Vinicius scores a goal and chooses to celebrate, prompting booing from the spectators, which is common. Subsequently, a confrontation arose with Benfica players, a typical event in the Champions League fueled by the desire to win for their loyal fans.”

He continued, “One of the Benfica players, who shall remain nameless, engaged in unacceptable behavior by making derogatory remarks towards him. I heard him say ‘Vini is a monkey’ five times, and I know other players from Benfica overheard it as well. This incident set the stage for everything that followed.”

“It’s crucial to address this matter with clarity—we can’t generalize the situation. My experiences in Portugal have never led to such occurrences. We must communicate honestly; while many people in the stadium were there to support their team, issues like this must be confronted.”

“I hold great respect for Benfica and their coaching staff, yet this player’s actions disqualify him from participating in the Champions League. This tournament should resonate with everyone, especially younger generations. If we overlook these incidents, we compromise the integrity of football and its core values. Urgent action is needed.”

Mourinho’s Response

During the match suspension, both Vini Jr and Mbappe spoke with Jose Mourinho, who sought to understand the events unfolding on the field.

“When we talked, he expressed his firm stance against such behavior. I have always respected Mourinho, but this interaction reinforced my admiration for him as a coach of principle who won’t tolerate such actions,” Mbappe commented.

Regarding the abusive remarks, Mbappe reiterated, “He indeed said it multiple times. I want to be as transparent as possible in recounting what I heard. Clear, thoughtful dialogue is essential so that the maximum number of people can grasp our situation.”