Benfica has begun an investigation into two fans who were filmed making what appeared to be monkey gestures in the direction of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during the two sides’ Champions League match earlier this week.
During Tuesday’s match in Lisbon, Brazilian forward Vinicius accused Benfica’s Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him.
Prestianni, 20, denies calling Vinicius a monkey, and Benfica has stood by its player, claiming he was the victim of defamation.
European football’s governing body UEFA has said it will “investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour”.
Portuguese media reported on Friday that Benfica had initiated its own investigation into the fans’ behaviour.
“If they are club members, the procedure could lead to their expulsion,” a Benfica spokesperson told AFP.
In a video shared on social media, including by former England international Rio Ferdinand, two fans wearing Benfica’s red jerseys can be seen waving their arms in a way that is typically associated with imitating a monkey.
Real won the Champions League play-off first leg 1-0 thanks to Vinicius’s wonder strike.
The original clash between him and Prestianni was sparked by Vinicius’s goal celebration, which drew criticism from Benfica coach Jose Mourinho.
Vinicius and Prestianni, who had covered his mouth with his jersey, appeared to be arguing for some time before the Brazilian suddenly ran over to French referee Francois Letexier to lodge his complaint.
Real said on Thursday that it had submitted evidence to UEFA to support Vinicius’s allegation.
Published on Feb 20, 2026
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