MADRID, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid announced on Thursday that it has submitted evidence to UEFA to help with the investigation into the alleged racist incident involving Vinicius Junior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in last Tuesday's Champions League qualifying round.
The game was stopped for 10 minutes after Vinicius alleged Prestianni had racially abused him after the Real Madrid winger scored the only goal of the game.
Vinicius had been booked for his celebrations, before Prestianni clearly said something to the forward, who reacted immediately to the words, although it is impossible to read the Benfica player's lips as he covered his mouth when he spoke.
"Real Madrid C.F. announces that it has today provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred last Tuesday, February 17, during the Champions League match our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica," informed the Real Madrid website.
"Our club has actively cooperated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable acts of racism that took place during that match," continues the statement, which adds the club "expresses its gratitude for the unanimous support and affection shown to our player Vinicius Junior from all sectors of the football world."
The return leg is in Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next Wednesday, although Benfica coach, Jose Mourinho is suspended for the game as he was sent off for protesting on Tuesday night.
