The banner displayed by Real Madrid fans at the Benfica match after the Vinicius scandal on the tour

As soon as the teams left the booths, the message was displayed in the stands: “No al racismo” (No to racism).

PHOTO. Real Madrid fans displayed an anti-racism banner at the return leg with Benfica in the Champions League

Real Madrid fans displayed an anti-racism banner at the return leg with Benfica in the Champions League // PHOTO: Imago Images

“No to racism” was the message displayed on a large banner, through which the Madrid club reaffirmed its position of zero tolerance towards any form of racial discrimination.

Real forward Vinicius Junior has claimed he was called a “monkey” by Gianluca Prestianni in the Lisbon leg. Following the allegations, the referee activated the anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopped the game.

The incident led to the opening of an investigation and UEFA decided to suspend Prestianni, who was not included in Benfica's squad for the match in Madrid.

It should be noted that Vinicius was booed by the Benfica fans every time he touched the ball at the Santiago Bernabeu, a scenario that had also happened in the match played in Portugal.

I have been to Portugal many times, but nothing like this has ever happened. I have a lot of respect for Benfica and their manager, but this player has nothing left to look for in the Champions League.

I think this competition should inspire people and especially children. If we allow these things to go unnoticed, all the values ​​in football will no longer mean anything. Something must be done!

– Kylian Mbappeafter the round between Benfica and Real Madrid