Trent Alexander-Arnold has described the alleged racist abuse directed at teammate Vinícius Júnior as a “disgrace to the sport,” calling for a full investigation and justice to be served.
The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League playoff win over Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Vinícius reported the alleged abuse — said to have come from Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni — to referee François Letexier, prompting the activation of UEFA’s racism protocol.
Play was halted for approximately 10 minutes as officials addressed the situation. Vinícius, visibly emotional, spoke with Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Benfica manager José Mourinho and teammates during the stoppage. Arbeloa later revealed that Madrid had been prepared to leave the pitch if Vinícius chose not to continue, but the team ultimately decided to finish the match.
Alexander-Arnold, who was positioned on the opposite side of the field when the alleged incident occurred, said the seriousness of the moment was clear once the referee intervened.
“When you see the protocol activated, you know it’s something serious,” he said. “What has been reported is a disgrace to football, a disgrace to the sport and to society. There’s no place for it.”
Prestianni has denied the accusation.
Alexander-Arnold praised Vinícius for reporting the alleged abuse, emphasizing that players must speak up in such situations.
“Vini reacted the right way. He did the right thing and reported it,” he said. “As a team and as a club, we support him fully.”
The England international also noted that Vinícius has faced similar incidents earlier in his career, calling the latest episode deeply disappointing.
Despite the controversy, Madrid secured a narrow first-leg advantage. Alexander-Arnold said the team would focus on both the result and how they handled the situation collectively.
“We go back home with a win,” he said. “That’s the positive. But we also take pride in how we stood together.”
UEFA is expected to review the incident as part of its standard disciplinary process.
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