In a recent Champions League playoff match, Real Madrid's Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior found himself at the center of yet another alleged racism incident. This occurred during the first leg of the playoff against Benfica Lisbon, following his celebration after scoring a stunning goal, which drew provocative reactions from rival fans and players. After scoring, Vinícius celebrated near the corner flag, leading to a yellow card for his actions, and subsequent heated exchanges with several players from the opposing team.

Tempers flared after the goal, resulting in Vinícius angrily approaching referee Francois Letexier, visibly upset by the comments made by a rival player who allegedly referred to him as an “ape.” In response to the severity of the accusation and the charged atmosphere on the pitch, Letexier promptly interrupted the game to implement UEFA's anti-racism protocol, signaling the seriousness of the situation.

This incident marks a troubling continuation of the discrimination faced by Vinícius on the pitch, highlighting ongoing issues of racism in football. As the story develops, it opens up broader discussions about how football authorities address and combat racism in the sport, particularly towards prominent and influential figures like Vinícius, who have publicly called for change. The implications of this ongoing issue resonate beyond the match, affecting league reputation and player security across European football.