Champions League Clash Disrupted by Racism Allegation
A high-stakes Champions League knockout playoff match between Real Madrid and Benfica was dramatically paused for 11 minutes on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following an accusation of racial abuse directed at Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior. The incident occurred at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, casting a shadow over the first leg of the competition.
Match Halted After Vinicius Junior's Complaint
Shortly after Vinicius Junior scored a crucial goal, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute, the game was brought to a standstill. Cameras captured the 25-year-old player informing French referee Francois Letexier that he had been targeted with a racist slur by an opposing Benfica player. In response, Letexier crossed his arms in front of his face, activating FIFA's official anti-racism protocol and immediately stopping play.
Tensions escalated as Real Madrid players threatened to leave the pitch in protest, but the referee eventually managed to resume the match after discussions with both teams. The first leg concluded with Real Madrid holding onto their 1-0 advantage, setting the stage for a tense second leg in Madrid.
Background and Reactions to the Incident
Vinicius Junior, who is black, has repeatedly faced racism during matches in Spain, and he had previously warned that he would consider walking off the field if subjected to abuse. The alleged incident in Lisbon has reignited concerns about racism in football, with players and officials expressing outrage.
After the match, Vinicius's teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, a former Liverpool and England star, told Amazon Prime, "What's happened tonight is a disgrace to football. It's overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal. Vini has been subjected to this a few times throughout his career, there's no place for it in football or society. It's disgusting."
Both coaches, Benfica's Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa, were seen talking to Vinicius on the sidelines during the stoppage. The confrontation may have been fueled by earlier tensions, as some Benfica players appeared unhappy with Vinicius's goal celebration, which involved dancing in front of the corner flag and resulted in a yellow card for the forward.
Potential Sanctions and Broader Implications
Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris indicated that sanctions could be imposed if the allegations are proven. "There can be a ban for the player, if he's found guilty of the racial abuse of Vinicius," Harris noted. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating racism in sports, prompting questions about the effectiveness of current measures.
As football authorities investigate the claim, the focus shifts to the second leg in Madrid, where further developments are expected. The breaking news story continues to unfold, with updates anticipated as more details emerge.
