'Disgrace to football': Real Madrid's Champions League clash halted after alleged racist abuse

Brazilian Vinicius has given his side the lead with a spectacular strike before being confronted by the Argentine, who pulled his shirt up over his mouth before speaking to the Real Madrid winger.

After the brief exchange, Vinicius ran to speak to referee Francois Letexier, who immediately stopped the UEFA Champions League match.

Letexier crossed his arms in front of his face, signalling an activation of FIFA's anti-racism protocol.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid, was seen trying to console Vinicius during the stoppage.

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In a statement after the match, Prestianni said: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.

“I was never racist with anyone, and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players”.

But one member of his staff was shown a red card during the suspension.

After discussions between the referee and the two teams, play resumed.

Real Madrid won the game courtesy of Vinicius's goal, with Mourinho also sent off for a separate incident during added time.

Vinicius's trouble was not finished, however, as the winger was targeted with objects thrown in his direction while attempting to take a corner kick in stoppage time.

In a statement after the match, the Brazil international wrote: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are.

“But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.

"Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team's life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why.

“On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.

“I don't like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary”.

England and Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold slammed the incident after the game.

Speaking to Amazon Prime, the full-back said: "I can't comment too much as there is probably an ongoing investigation.

"What's happened tonight is a disgrace to football. It's overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal.

"Vini has been subjected to this a few times throughout his career; there's no place for it in football or society. It's disgusting."

On the objects thrown at Vinicius Jr, Alexander-Arnold added: "It's a hostile environment, maybe they were upset with the way Vini celebrated. I don't know what set them off like that. Like I said, hostile environment. We are used to it as a team. We take the win, go back home and play again."

Benfica boss Mourinho also spoke to Amazon Prime, saying: "I told [Vinicius Jr] - when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black.

"This club, the last thing that it is, is racist."

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa told Amazon Prime: "You have to ask Benfica's players [about it].

"Everyone can see what happened with Prestianni; he put the shirt over his mouth. You have to ask him.

"What Vini said is not important; we need to fight against racism in football. We support Vini, of course."