Real Madrid announced on Thursday that it has submitted all evidence it collected to UEFA regarding the incidents that occurred at the Estádio da Luz during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 play-off against Benfica. The Spanish club refers to the events that led to a temporary interruption of the match last Tuesday, after Vinícius Júnior's goal – the match referee, François Lexetier, activated the anti-racism protocol after the Brazilian player reported insults from Gianluca Prestianni, an Argentine player from Benfica. Here is the statement from the Madrid club: "Real Madrid C. F. announces that today it submitted all available evidence to UEFA regarding the incidents that occurred last Tuesday, February 17, in the Champions League match that our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica. Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during the match. Real Madrid thanks the unanimous support and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all corners of the football world. Real Madrid will continue to work, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hatred in sports and society." The newspaper Marca emphasizes that the reports include racist gestures from the stands directed at their players, especially Vinícius, as well as the alleged insults from Prestianni, who reportedly called the Brazilian winger "monkey" repeatedly while covering his face with his shirt. (updating) Related Articles:
Real Madrid Submits All Evidence remains central to this story.
Real Madrid Submits All Evidence remains central to this story.
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