Real Madrid's Champions League knockout phase play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse and he and his team-mates left the field. Referee Francois Letexier made the crossed arms gesture to signal racist abuse following a conversation with Vinicius. A Real Madrid statement said Vinicius told the referee he had been racially abused by the Argentina winger. Vinicius then walked off the pitch and was followed by his Real Madrid team-mates, but play restarted 10 minutes later, in the 60th minute. "I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players."

Source: BBC February 17, 2026 23:31 UTC