Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks out on Vini Jr incident as Brazilian issues statement

Trent Alexander-Arnold has addressed the claims about alleged racist abuse directed towards Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica.

Tuesday’s Champions League play-off clash in Lisbon will be remembered for the wrong reasons despite Vinicius’ second-half strike handing Real Madrid a one-goal advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in the Spanish capital.

Vinicius was booked for excessive celebrations before becoming involved in an altercation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.

The Brazilian then ran over to referee François Letexier while pointing towards an opponent.

The official then crossed his arms to show that the anti-racism protocol had come into effect before Vini walked off the pitch. He then spoke to Mourinho, while staff from both sides became involved.

After a 10-minute halt, play resumed in the 60th minute, but the abuse towards Vinicius continued from the Benfica sections of the Estádio da Luz, with the player hit on the shoulder with an object thrown from the crowd later in the game.

The nature of what was allegedly said remains unclear at this time.

Following the match, Real right-back Alexander-Arnold addressed the topic when he spoke to Prime and described the incident as a “disgrace to football”.

The Englishman said: "I can’t comment too much on it as it is an ongoing investigation at this point. I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance as well, after an amazing goal.

"Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace. No place for it in football or society. It is disgusting."

He added: “I don't know if he [Vinicius Junior] took persuading or not [to come back on to the pitch]. I think he wanted to carry on. He has got a strong mentality.

"He has been subject to this a few times throughout his career, and he handled it excellently.

"A hostile environment, passionate and clearly upset with the way, maybe the way Vini celebrated. I am not sure what set them off like that. The hostile environment, we are used to it as a team and players.”

When asked about what he thinks the punishment for racial abuse should be, the defender replied: “That is out of my hands. I think it is a difficult situation. The referee said he did say whatever he did say with his shirt over his mouth. Hopefully there is justice involved with whatever happens."

Vini also broke his silence with a post on Instagram.

The Brazilian posted several photographs from the evening alongside the caption: “Bernabeu, SEE YOU THERE.”

The return leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, 25 February. Before then, Real will travel to Osasuna this Saturday (21 February).

Vini Jr releases emotional statement

Around one hour after the final whistle, Vini posted a lengthy statement to his Instagram story describing racists as "cowards" who "put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are".

Translated from Portuguese to English, he wrote: "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put a shirt over their mouths to show how weak they are.

"But they have, beside them, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my family’s life.

"I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, there was only a poorly executed protocol that was of no use.

"I don’t like appearing in situations like this, especially after a great victory when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it is necessary.”