Arbeloa says Vinicius' case is opportunity to prevent further racism in the pitch

Record ID: 2357763

  • Title: Arbeloa says Vinicius' case is opportunity to prevent further racism in the pitch
  • Date: 20th February 2026
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (FEBRUARY 20, 2026) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF REAL MADRID PLAYERS WARMING UP ON PITCH FORWARD VINICIUS JR WARMING UP COACHES TALKING VARIOUS OF VINICIUS DURING RONDO DRILL REAL MADRID COACH, ALVARO ARBELOA, ARRIVING TO PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) REAL MADRID COACH, ALVARO ARBELOA, SAYING: “Vini has been sad, as we all have been, and he is angry about wh
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: Arbeloa LaLiga Osasuna Real Madrid
  • Location: MADRID, SPAIN
  • City: MADRID, SPAIN
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: Europe,Soccer,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA001715220022026RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Real Madrid coach Avaro Arbeloa said on Friday (February 20) that recent allegations of racism allegations raised by forward Vinicius Jr during a match against Benfica should serve as an opportunity to prevent further racist incidents in football.
    TV footage from Tuesday (February 17) showed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt — a common gesture used to stop lip‑reading — while making a comment that Vinícius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur.
    Benfica have defended their player, but European soccer body UEFA has opened an investigation into the alleged discriminatory behaviour during the Champions League playoff first leg, which Real won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Vinícius.
    “This is now the responsibility of UEFA; they are the ones who for years have been fighting against racism,” Arbeloa told reporters at a press conference ahead of their match against Osasuna. “They should punish an act like the one we experienced and prevent it from happening again.”
    Arbeloa said both Vinícius and the team were upset by the incident, but added that he was proud of how the players rallied around the Brazilian forward during and after the match.
    (Production: Mike Gore, Nina Lopez)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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