Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has called for decisive action from UEFA and a severe punishment for Gianluca Brestiani for racially abusing Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian international scored a brilliant goal against Benfica and then made a somewhat provocative entrance at the Estádio da Luz, leading to a major altercation between him and the Portuguese club’s players.
Vinicius claimed that Brestiani racially abused him and reported the incident to the referee, resulting in a brief stoppage of play before Real Madrid players agreed to resume the match.
After the game, Mbappe spoke about what happened, saying, “After Vinicius’s goal and celebration, Benfica’s number 25 – I don’t want to mention his name because he doesn’t deserve it – used completely unacceptable language.”
He added, “He covered his mouth so no one could see what he was going to say, but I heard him clearly. He called Vinicius a monkey five times.”
He added, “Did you see his face? I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I won’t tolerate things like that happening around me. He’s a young player, of course, but how can you say something like that on the pitch?”
He concluded, “UEFA needs to do its part now. What Pristiani did is unacceptable and utterly disgusting. He doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League. I don’t consider him a fellow footballer.”
