Portuguese giants, SL Benfica, have launched an internal investigation after two supporters were allegedly filmed making monkey gestures toward Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League clash with Real Madrid earlier this week.
The incident occurred during Tuesday’s encounter in Lisbon, where Vinicius accused Benfica’s Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him.
Prestianni, 20, has strongly denied calling Vinicius a monkey, while Benfica have publicly backed their player, insisting he has been defamed.
European football’s governing body UEFA confirmed it will “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour”.
Portuguese media reported on Friday that Benfica had also opened their own probe into the conduct of the fans seen in circulating videos.
“If they are club members, the procedure could lead to their expulsion,” a Benfica spokesperson told AFP.
Footage shared widely on social media, including by former England international Rio Ferdinand, appears to show two supporters wearing Benfica’s red shirts gesturing in a manner commonly associated with monkey chants.
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, courtesy of a stunning strike from Vinicius.
The confrontation between Vinicius and Prestianni followed the Brazilian’s goal celebration, which drew criticism from Benfica coach José Mourinho.
During the heated exchange, Prestianni was seen covering his mouth with his shirt as the pair argued before Vinicius approached French referee François Letexier to formally lodge his complaint.
On Thursday, Real Madrid confirmed they had submitted evidence to UEFA in support of Vinicius’s allegation.
