Sports
Real will protect Vinicius after alleged 'racist act', vows Arbeloa

Real will protect Vinicius after alleged 'racist act', vows Arbeloa

Feb 22, 2026

London [UK], February 22: Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa vowed "outraged" Vinicius Junior will receive the club's unwavering support after the forward reported alleged racial abuse in Tuesday's Champions League play-off tie against Benfica.
The Spanish club later singled out Gianluca Prestianni as the subject of the complaint, but the Benfica winger has denied the claims in a post on Instagram, while his club have argued their player was the subject of a "defamation campaign".
Arbeloa revealed he would have fully supported a full-team walk-off in the 1-0 victory had the Brazil international - who scored the 50th-minute winner - decided not to carry on, and called on UEFA to impose sanctions.
"Vini Jr has been upset, as have we all," Arbeloa told a press conference.
"Above all, he has been very outraged by what happened. It's a racist act that has no place in sports or our society. We have a tremendous opportunity not to let it pass and to continue fighting against this scourge that is racism."
Source: Qatar Tribune