Vinicius Jr reportedly suffered racist abuse from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the match, which was paused for ten minutes after the Brazilian reported the incident. Arbeloa condemned racism, stating "there has to be absolutely zero tolerance" and "we ride together and die together."
Prestianni denies the allegations, claiming Vini Jr "misunderstood what he thought he heard." The Real Madrid coach emphasized standing by his player regardless of his decision, saying "whatever he decided, we would stand with him."