Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards have strongly criticised Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni following allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League clash.

The incident reportedly occurred during Madrid’s 1–0 victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff first leg on Tuesday. Tensions flared after Vinícius scored and celebrated, leading to confrontations with Benfica players.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Henry questioned Prestianni’s actions, suggesting that the Benfica winger should publicly clarify what was said during the altercation.

“Let’s see how big a man Prestianni is — tell us what you said. You must have said something,” Henry remarked, referencing reports that Kylian Mbappé had confronted Prestianni during the incident.

Richards, who was also part of the panel discussion, did not mince words, describing the alleged behaviour as cowardly.

Meanwhile, UEFA has confirmed that it has opened an official investigation into the allegations, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine the events that unfolded during the match.

Opinion: Football Must Move Beyond Words to Real Consequences

The alleged incident involving Vinícius Júnior is unfortunately not an isolated case. Over the past few years, the Brazilian forward has repeatedly found himself at the centre of racism controversies, raising serious concerns about whether football authorities are doing enough to protect players.

Henry and Richards’ strong reactions reflect a broader frustration within the football community. When respected former players speak so bluntly, it signals that patience is running out. Racism in football is no longer just a disciplinary issue — it is a moral test for the sport.

Vinícius represents a generation of players who are not willing to remain silent, and that courage deserves institutional backing. Investigations are important, but meaningful deterrence comes from decisive sanctions, education, and cultural change within clubs and fan communities.

Football prides itself on being the world’s game — a unifying force across nations and cultures. Yet incidents like this expose a contradiction between the sport’s ideals and its reality. If UEFA’s investigation leads to firm action, it could send a powerful message that respect is non-negotiable.

For fans, players, and administrators alike, the lesson is simple: talent should be celebrated, not targeted. The beauty of football lies in diversity, and protecting that diversity is the responsibility of everyone connected to the game.