Mark Clattenburg issues statement after backlash over Vinicius Jr comments on air

Mark Clattenburg has apologised following his comments in the immediate aftermath of the alleged racist abuse aimed at Vinicius Junior.

Clattenburg was working as a pundit for Amazon, who aired the Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Vinicius Jr. scored the only goal of the game with a stunning strike in the 50th minute.

He celebrated around the corner flag and upon returning to his half to resume the match, he was allegedly racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, with FIFA releasing a lengthy statement.

Speaking on air, Clattenburg said that Vinicius Jr. 'has not helped himself' by his celebration and then reporting the incident and leaving the field of play.

He said: "Yes, he scored a wonderful goal, but he should have just returned over to the other side of the pitch and he could have got on with the game."

Vinicius Jr. claims he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni. Image: Getty

While analysing the incident, he outlined what he felt was 'the problem in this situation' and said the Brazilian winger was making life difficult for referee Francois Letexier, who activated the anti-racism protocol.

"Vinicius Jr. has not helped himself," Clattenburg added. "He’s made this difficult for the referee. He’s scored a wonderful goal and all he has to do - yes, celebrate - is return back. But he has made this situation very, very difficult."

The former Premier League referee faced calls to be taken off television following his comments.

Mark Clattenburg admits he 'got it wrong' following his comments on Vinicius Jr. Image: Getty

A day removed from working Benfica vs. Real, he has issued an apology, saying he 'got it wrong'.

In a statement shared on X, he wrote: "Nothing justifies racism in sport or life. I'm grateful to have a chance to follow-up on last night, I got it wrong, I'm sorry.

"It was live TV, my job is to respond in the moment and the words I used were clumsy and not right."

The 50-year-old continued: "I'm already learning from this and appreciate my colleagues who covered the situation with class throughout."

Anti-discrimination campaigner Troy Townsend MBE slammed Clattenburg's comments and called for him to be taken off broadcasting.

On X, he wrote: "And as for this guy.... he should never be involved in commentary again..."