Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is hoping for justice to be served in the latest racist incident targeted at Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian scored a wonderful goal to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League playoff clash in Portugal.
In the 49th minute, Vinicius received a pass from Kylian Mbappe on the left wing, cut infield and unleashed a brilliant curler to the top end of the net.
However, after celebrating the goal, players from both teams clashed with Benfica’s Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni allegedly saying something in Vinicius’ direction with his jersey covering his mouth.
Vinicius Jr promptly complained to the referee who halted the game for several minutes in line with UEFA rules on dealing with racist acts.
The game resumed after that and investigations have been reportedly launched into the incident. Speaking in an interview with Amazon Prime, Alexander-Arnold shared his disappointment over the incident stating,
“He-Vinicius Jr- has been subject to this a few times throughout his career and he handled it excellently. A hostile environment, passionate and clearly upset with the way, maybe the way Vini celebrated.”
“I am not sure what set them off like that. The hostile environment, we are used to it as a team and players. Hopefully there is justice involved with whatever happens.”
