Benfica on Vinicius Racism Incident: "We Reiterate Unwavering Support for Prestianni and Regret Defamation Campaign"

Benfica Football Club issued a statement today, Wednesday, regarding the alleged racism incident involving Brazilian player Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the teams' UEFA Champions League match.

Benfica published the statement on its official website, which read: "Benfica Football Club fully and positively welcomes, with a spirit of cooperation, transparency, openness, and clarity, the measures announced today by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) concerning the alleged racism incident that occurred during the match against Real Madrid."

The statement continued: "The club affirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historic and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, which represent its fundamental founding principles, and of which Eusébio is considered the greatest symbol."

It concluded: "Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its unwavering support for the account provided by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct within the club has always been guided by respect towards opponents, institutions, and the principles that define Benfica's identity. The club expresses its regret for the defamation campaign the player has been subjected to."

It is worth noting that Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Benfica was halted for 10 minutes due to racist chants from the crowd against Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian player claimed he was subjected to racism by Gianluca Prestianni, before UEFA issued a statement today, Wednesday, regarding the incident.