Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration caused a 10-minute delay during Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica after the Brazilian alleged he was the target of racism from a Benfica player.
The incident unfolded shortly after Vinicius found the net, with the forward turning to the referee and making a formal complaint. Players from both sides surrounded officials as the match was halted while the situation was addressed on the pitch.
Real Madrid staff also became involved as Vinicius continued to speak with the referee and fourth official, insisting a comment had crossed the line. Benfica players protested their innocence and urged the game to continue, but the stoppage dragged on as the officials attempted to calm tensions.
It has since been revealed that Vinicius specifically accused a Benfica player of directing a racist remark at him, which is why the referee delayed the restart for so long and held discussions with both captains before play resumed.
The match eventually restarted after roughly 10 minutes, with Vinicius returning to his position and the referee allowing the contest to continue. Neither club immediately issued an official statement during the game, but the allegation added another flashpoint to a tie already played at high intensity.
Vinicius has previously spoken out against racism and has repeatedly called for stronger action, and this latest accusation ensured his celebration — and the moment that followed — became one of the defining talking points of the night.
