Real Madrid today submitted all their evidence in support of Vinicius Jr after allegations he was racially abused during Tuesday night’s Champions League game at Benfica.

Vinicius accused Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a “monkey” shortly after the Brazil international had scored the only goal of the game with a brilliant strike.

Prestianni has strenuously denied the claims and Benfica have backed their player.

A Madrid statement today read: “Real Madrid CF announces that today it has submitted all available evidence to UEFA regarding the incidents that occurred last Tuesday, February 17, during the Champions League match our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica.

“Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match.

“Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr has received from all areas of the global football community.

“Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society.”

What happened between Prestianni and Vinicius?

The game was interrupted for eight minutes after Vinicius scored to give Madrid the lead six minutes into the second half.

As the players prepared to restart, Vinicius ran to the referee to allege Prestianni used a racial slur while covering his mouth with his shirt.

However, the 20-year-old insisted that was not the case and said Vinicius Jr had misheard his remark.

Writing on social media, Prestianni said: “I want to clarify that at no time did I insult Vinícius Jr who, unfortunately, misinterpreted something he thinks he heard. I’ve never been racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from the Real Madrid players.”

He added later: “If they say that, supposedly, I directed a racist insult to Vinícius Jr, why did no-one react? Accusing others of something serious is not correct, much less when it is not true. Everyone is pointing the finger at me for covering my mouth with the jersey when they know that all soccer players do it when they talk [to each other]. Stop inventing things.”

Mourinho blames Vinicius Jr for celebrations

Benfica’s former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has come under fire for suggesting Vinicius Jr had disrespected the home crowd for over-celebrating his goal.

Asked if had incited the home supporters, the Portuguese said: “Yes. I believe so.

“It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”

Benfica also stand by Prestianni

Benfica are standing by Prestianni and released video footage in the early hours that they claim shows no other Madrid player can claim to hear what Vinicius Jr has alleged.

However, the film shows Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe already in dialogue with Prestianni before the Benfica man then covers his mouth and appears to make a remark towards Vinicius Jr.