The UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica took an unexpected turn when it was suspended following allegations of racist abuse towards Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr. The incident reportedly stems from a heated exchange between players, prompting Vinicius to approach the referee and express his discontent regarding the racial comments made. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football, and the protocols in place for dealing with such situations.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg provided insights into the incident, explaining that the referee must adhere to UEFA's established protocols for addressing racial abuse. When Vinicius reported the comments, it became the referee's responsibility to document the event, after which UEFA would investigate the matter further. Clattenburg acknowledged the challenges referees face in these scenarios, emphasizing the need for clear reporting and adherence to guidelines in the fight against discrimination in sports.

As this is a developing story, the Mirror will provide continuous updates on any further actions taken by UEFA as well as reactions from players, clubs, and governing bodies. The situation serves as a reminder of the pressing need for strong measures against racism in football, reinforcing the importance of solidarity among players and stakeholders to create a more inclusive environment in the sport.