Benfica v Real Madrid: Champions League tie halted after Real Madrid players leave field

Real Madrid’s Champions League qualifying play-off match with Benfica was stopped for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported allegations of racist abuse and he and his teammates left the field.

Referee Francois Letexier crossed his arms to indicate racist abuse after a conversation with Vinicius.

The Brazilian forward had put the Spanish visitors ahead 1-0 in the second half at the Estadio da Luz before receiving a yellow card for an excessive celebration.

After an interaction with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius ran towards referee Letexier while pointing at the opposing player.

He then left the field and was pursued by his Real Madrid teammates, but play restarted 10 minutes later in the 60th minute.

The match ended with Real winning 1-0 after 12 minutes of stoppage time, during which an object thrown from the stands hit Vinicius’ arm.