Real Madrid has formally escalated the racism storm surrounding Vinicius Junior, submitting what it calls “all available evidence” to UEFA after the Brazilian alleged he was called a “monkey” during Tuesday’s clash at Benfica.

The knockout tie in Lisbon was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse during a heated exchange following his goal celebration.

Prestianni, who covered his mouth during the confrontation, has denied the allegation, as UEFA opened an investigation into “discriminatory behaviour.”

Madrid described the incident as “unacceptable episodes of racism,” praising the global support Vinicius has received amid renewed outrage over abuse he has repeatedly faced since 2018.

Benfica hit back, defending Prestianni and condemning what it termed a “defamation campaign,” while manager Jose Mourinho questioned Vinicius’s celebratory dance in front of home fans.