A REPORTER was shockingly confronted outside of the Estadio da Luz last night following Benfica’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
‘s side were beaten 1-0 by the Spanish giants on a controversial night in Lisbon.
Footage has emerged of supporters screaming at a reporterCredit: CMTV
The incident occurred outside the Estadio da LuzCredit: CMTV
The disturbing scene aired on Portuguese TVCredit: CMTV
Portuguese broadcaster CMTV had a reporter stationed outside of the stadium moments after the match concluded.
In shocking footage, the reporter can be seen staring stoically into space as he is screamed at by a furious fan.
Three fans then get right into the reporter’s face as they yell at him.
The disturbing 40-second scene was aired on CMTV in the wake of ‘s first leg defeat.
Working for the channel, former Benfica midfielder Diamantino Miranda called the incident “deplorable”.
The Portuguese side booked their place in the Champions League play-off round courtesy of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-gasp goal against three weeks ago.
But the rematch was unfortunately marred by alleged .
The Brazilian, 25, lit up the match on 50 minutes with a sensational curled effort into the top corner.
Vinicius Jr lit up the game with a sensational goalCredit: Getty
The winger celebrated by the corner flagCredit: Getty
Vinicius subsequently celebrated by dancing in front of the corner flag.
As play was about to restart, Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni hid his mouth under his shirt as he said something to Vinicius.
The Brazilian, who had been standing barely a yard from Prestianni, immediately jogged over to the referee to report what had been said.
Whistler Francois Letexier immediately signalled that ‘s anti-racism protocol had been instigated.
The match was delayed for around 10 minutes before eventually getting going again, with late on as Real Madrid ran out 1-0 winners.
After the game, .
He wrote in a statement: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show their weakness.
“But they also count on the protection of others who, in theory, have the obligation to punish them.
“Nothing that happened here was new in my life or in that of my family. They gave me a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why.
“On the other hand, it was a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
“I don’t like being in situations like this, especially after a big win when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Prestianni, meanwhile, denied any wrongdoing – while boss that Vinicius instigates crowds.
The Argentine, 20, said in his own social media statement: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
Benfica re-posted Prestianni’s statement along with the message: “Together, by your side.”
They then of Vinicius and Prestianni’s exchange with the odd message: “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard.”
The caption was made all the more strange by the fact that the video showed Vinicius standing barely a yard from Prestianni – with three of his team-mates also in the vicinity.
Benfica and Real Madrid will meet again at the Bernabeu on February 25.
Vinicius Jr was involved in an incident with Gianluca PrestianniCredit: Alamy
Jose Mourinhi confronted Vinicius JrCredit: AP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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