Real Madrid head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, has called on Europe’s football governing body (UEFA) to “seize the opportunity” to fight against racism in the wake of an alleged report of racial abuse towards Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian was reportedly racially abused in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League playoff tie in Portugal.
Vinicius reported that Benfica Argentine winger Ginaluca Prestianni racially abused him after he celebrated his goal in the win over Benfica.
Prestianni has been provisionally banned for a game meaning he will miss the return leg that takes place on Wednesday, February 25 in Spain while investigations continue.
For Arbeloa, the Real Madrid interim head coach is hoping something serious comes out of the investigations stating,
“We are facing a great opportunity to make a significant step forward in the fight against racism.”
“UEFA has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, and now they have the opportunity not to leave it as just a slogan or a nice banner before matches. I hope they seize this opportunity.”
