FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists he is "shocked and saddened" by the incidents of alleged racism during the game between Real Madrid and Benfica. UEFA has launched an investigation into claims from Vinicius [Vini] Jr that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni used racist language towards him. The Champions League match was halted for 10 minutes by referee Francois Letexier, with both teams leaving the pitch shortly after Vinicius had put his side ahead.

Prestianni and Benfica have rejected the allegations. However, UEFA will now examine video footage of the incident and interview both Prestianni and Vini as part of their investigation. And Infantino believes those responsible must be held accountable and face severe punishment if proven guilty of racism.

He said: "I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinícius Júnior in the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid CF. At FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players' Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur.

"FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!"I commend referee François Letexier for implementing the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to halt the game and address the situation.

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"FIFA and football stand in full solidarity with victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!"

Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr took to social media to label racists as 'cowards'.

The Brazilian has been subjected to discrimination on multiple occasions in the past.He stated: "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are.

"But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have a duty to penalise them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team's life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why.

"On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose."

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