Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg at Benfica was dramatically halted for 10 minutes after Vinícius Júnior reported alleged racist abuse, prompting the referee to activate football’s anti-racism protocol.

The incident unfolded shortly after the Brazilian forward had fired Madrid into the lead at the Estadio da Luz, in a match that ultimately ended 1-0 to the Spanish side following a tense and controversial evening in Lisbon.

French referee François Letexier made the now-recognisable crossed-arms gesture, introduced by Fifa in May 2024, to signal that a report of racist abuse had been received.

Vinícius approached Letexier following an exchange with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. The 25-year-old forward gestured towards the Argentine player before speaking with the referee, and a statement from Real Madrid later confirmed that Vinícius had reported alleged racist abuse.

In response, Vinícius walked off the pitch, closely followed by his team-mates. Both sets of staff became involved on the touchline as discussions took place, with Benfica manager José Mourinho also seen speaking with the Brazilian forward.

Play was suspended for approximately 10 minutes before eventually resuming in the 60th minute.

The flashpoint came moments after Vinícius had scored a superb individual goal in the 50th minute to put Real Madrid 1-0 ahead. The forward celebrated in front of the Benfica supporters by the corner flag, dancing in trademark style.

Objects were subsequently thrown from the crowd, and tensions between players quickly escalated. Vinícius was later booked for what the referee deemed an excessive celebration, a decision that drew frustration from the Madrid camp.

“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why,” Vinícius wrote on Instagram after the match.

During stoppage time, another object thrown from the stands struck him on the arm, compounding what had already been a deeply distressing evening.

Despite the disruption and extended stoppage time, Real Madrid held on to secure a narrow but significant 1-0 away victory in the first leg.

Following the match, Vinícius issued a strongly worded statement condemning the alleged abuse and criticising the effectiveness of the response.

“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are.”

“Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life.”

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

His comments underline the growing frustration felt by one of world football’s most high-profile players, who has repeatedly been the target of racist abuse during his career in Spain and across Europe.

Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis defended his team-mate Prestianni, suggesting the confrontation may have stemmed from rivalry rather than racism.

“I don’t think Prestianni said anything like that to Vinícius. I think it has more to do with the heated rivalry between Brazil and Argentina than anything else,” he said.

Prestianni has not yet publicly responded to the allegation.

Uefa introduced its three-step anti-racism protocol in 2009 to address incidents of discrimination inside stadiums.

The process is designed to empower referees to intervene decisively:

Any abandonment would follow an assessment of player and spectator safety, with the case then referred to Uefa’s disciplinary authorities.

The crossed-arms gesture, introduced by Fifa in 2024, now provides a clear visual signal that the protocol has been activated.

In Lisbon, Letexier opted for the second step, temporarily removing the players from the field before allowing the match to continue.

This latest episode is far from isolated. Vinícius has endured numerous racist incidents during his time in Spain, particularly in La Liga.

In September 2022, Atlético Madrid condemned chants directed at him outside their stadium. In January 2023, an effigy of the player was hung from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground, leading to fines and stadium bans.

In May 2023, he was subjected to racist abuse during a match against Valencia, an incident that prompted Real Madrid to file a hate crime complaint with Spanish prosecutors.

The following year, Vinícius admitted he felt “less and less” like playing football due to repeated abuse. However, there have also been landmark legal developments. In June 2024, three Valencia fans received prison sentences for racist abuse directed at him. In May 2025, five individuals were handed suspended prison sentences in what was described as an unprecedented ruling in Spain.

These convictions marked historic steps in the fight against racism in Spanish football, yet the recurrence of incidents shows how far the game still has to go.

The Brazilian Football Confederation released a firm statement of support.

“Racism is a crime. It is unacceptable. It cannot exist in football or anywhere else.”

“Vini, you are not alone. Your decision to activate the protocol is an example of courage and dignity. We are proud of you.”

The message was clear: football’s governing bodies and national associations must stand firmly alongside players who speak out.

The events at the Estadio da Luz once again highlight the persistent challenge facing European football authorities. Despite stricter sanctions, improved reporting mechanisms and high-profile convictions, racist abuse continues to surface at the highest level of the game.

For Real Madrid, the immediate focus will be on the return leg and progressing further in the Champions League. For Vinícius, however, the emotional toll of repeated incidents cannot be overlooked.

His willingness to activate the protocol, to walk off and to speak out publicly reinforces his position as one of the most vocal figures in football’s anti-racism movement.

The Lisbon tie may ultimately be remembered for his brilliant winning goal, but the darker context surrounding it ensures this match will resonate far beyond the scoreline.

As European football pushes forward with campaigns and policies designed to eliminate discrimination, the message from this latest episode is stark. Protocols exist. Gestures are recognised. Punishments are now being handed down.

Yet the responsibility remains collective.

Players like Vinícius continue to carry an unfair burden. The fight against racism in football is ongoing, and as events in Lisbon show, vigilance and decisive action remain essential at every level of the game.