Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 23:27 / Updated on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 23:29
The Brazilian scored with a spectacular shot, then celebrated in front of the Portuguese fans, a gesture considered provocative. “Come on” was called for the celebration, and immediately after the phase the spirits heated up.
Serious charges on the field: The referee made the X sign
According to images from the field, the direct conflict was with Gianluca Prestianni, who allegedly covered his mouth with his shirt while he allegedly addressed offensive and racial words to the Brazilian.
Vinicius immediately went to referee Francois Letexier and the centre-back stopped the game and made the X sign with his arms, as per anti-racism protocol. The game was interrupted for about 10 minutes.
In the chaos, a member of Jose Mourinho's staff was sent off and there were altercations between several players on the pitch, including Nicolas Otamendi and Kylian Mbappe.
Although Mourinho tried to talk to Vinicius to calm him down, the Brazilian initially refused to return to the pitch. After the game resumed, Prestianni was not sanctioned, and the only card awarded following the incident remained the one received by Vinicius for the celebration.
The gesture for which Vinicius was warned // PHOTO: Getty Images
A new episode of racism for Vinicius
This is not the first scandal of this type in which Vinicius is involved. Earlier in the year, away to Villarreal, the Brazilian was the target of offensive chants from the stands when fans chanted “Step on it! Step on it!” and “Beach Ball!”
