UEFA can make fight against racism more than a slogan: Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa Tuesday called on European football governing body UEFA to make their fight against racism into more than just a slogan. Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa Tuesday called on European football governing body UEFA to make their fight against racism into more than just a slogan after the alleged abuse of star Vinicius Junior. UEFA provisionally suspended Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestiannifor Wednesday’sChampions Leagueplay-off second leg against Real Madridafter Vinicius accused him of racial abusein the first leg last week.

If UEFA find Prestianni, who argued with the Brazilian while holding his shirt over his mouth, abusedViniciusat the end of their investigation into the incident he will be suspended for a minimum of 10 matches. “We have a great opportunity to mark a turning point in the fight against racism,” Arbeloa told reporters. “UEFA, which has always been and has led this fight against racism, now has the chance not to leave it at just a slogan, at just a nice banner before matches, and I hope that they seize this opportunity.” Vinicius scored a brilliant goal in the first leg, enabling Real Madrid to claim a 1-0 victory, before the alleged abuse led to the game being stopped for around 10 minutes.

Arbeloa said he believed Vinicius will thrive on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu as the record 15-time champions bid to reach the last 16. “Vinicius Junior has always shown a lot of bravery and a lot of character,” said Arbeloa. “That is always his response, it always has been and I think it always will be. “He is a fighter and I’m sure tomorrow he will go out to fight and have a great game, and keep showing he’s one of the best players on the planet.” Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois backed the 25-year-old winger, despite Prestianni and Benfica insisting there was no racial abuse.