Former referee warns proving alleged racial abuse against Vinícius Junior will be “very difficult”
Real Madrid’s 0-1 Champions League victory over Benfica at the Estadio da Luz has been completely overshadowed by Vinícius Junior‘s allegations of racial abuse against Gianluca Prestianni, sparking a UEFA investigation that former top-level referee Eduardo Iturralde González warns will face significant evidentiary challenges.
The chaotic night in Portugal saw Vinícius score a brilliant winner before accusing the Benfica midfielder of racist insults, leading to an extended stoppage whilst the Brazilian discussed the situation with Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa and opposing boss José Mourinho.
Play eventually resumed around the hour mark, but tensions remained high throughout, culminating in Mourinho’s dismissal for dissent in the dying moments – a red card that rules him out of next week’s return leg at the Bernabéu.
Former LaLiga referee Iturralde examined UEFA‘s position during an appearance on radio programme ‘El Larguero’. His assessment painted a sobering picture of the difficulties authorities face when attempting to substantiate allegations without clear visual or audio evidence.
“I think he is still emotional.”
Jose Mourinho’s comments on Vinícius Jr. incident causes storm.https://t.co/945eblOC7Z #UCL #Benfica #RealMadrid
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 18, 2026
Suggested Articles
“UEFA will find it very difficult to prove Prestianni’s insult,” the former international referee stated bluntly. “UEFA will open an investigation into Prestianni. They will ask him, Vinícius, and the players who were nearby for statements.”
Video evidence proves inconclusive in alleged abuse
The lack of clear footage complicates UEFA’s investigation significantly. Iturralde pointed out that available images show Prestianni with his shirt covering his mouth, making lip-reading or visual confirmation of what was said virtually impossible.
“The image is useless, because at least the one we’ve seen… He has his shirt in his mouth and you can’t see anything,” Iturralde explained. “If there is no evidence, UEFA’s hands are tied.”
However, Iturralde praised Vinícius for how he handled the situation once he believed racist abuse had occurred. The Brazilian followed proper protocols by bringing the matter to officials’ attention and refusing to continue until it was addressed.
“Vinícius has been perfect in this situation,” Iturralde said. “The protocol is activated, the match is stopped, and if it’s not played, it’s not played.”
Referee clarifies yellow card wasn’t for dancing
Iturralde also addressed confusion about why Vinícius received a yellow card after his goal, clarifying that French referee François Letexier didn’t caution him for celebrating but rather for how he responded when told to move along.
“Vinícius isn’t cautioned for dancing,” Iturralde explained. “François Letexier cautions him because he’s throwing things at him and tells him to get out of there. He tells him he’s creating a conflict and he ignores him.”
However, Iturralde emphasised that such on-field disciplinary matters pale in comparison to allegations of racist abuse. The former referee stressed the critical importance of maintaining perspective about what truly matters.
“But let’s differentiate. That’s football, it’s nonsense,” Iturralde said regarding the yellow card controversy. “You have to differentiate it from a racist insult. That cannot be allowed.”