"Racist Rat": Rio Ferdinand Unleashes Fury After Vini Jr. Allegedly Abused in Lisbon
The former England footballer delivered harsh criticism of the Argentine player over what happened in the Benfica vs Real Madrid clash.
Controversy erupted this past Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the high-stakes UEFA Champions League playoff first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid. While the match was a tactical masterclass on the pitch, it was marred by a despicable incident following a goal by Brazilian superstar Vinícius Jr.
Minutes after Vini Jr. found the back of the net, cameras caught Benfica’s Argentine winger, Gianluca Prestianni, covering his mouth with his jersey while appearing to direct a slur toward the 25-year-old Madridista. Allegations quickly surfaced that Prestianni called the Brazilian a "monkey," sparking immediate outrage across Portugal, Spain, and England.
Ferdinand’s Scathing Critique: "You Hide When You’re Disgusting"
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand did not hold back. Known for his vocal stance against discrimination, Ferdinand took to Instagram to slam Prestianni’s actions, calling the 20-year-old Argentine a "racist rat" and "trash." He specifically targeted the "cowardly" act of covering one’s mouth to hide verbal abuse.
"Why are you covering your mouth? Normally you cover your mouth when you have something to hide," Ferdinand stated. "If you’re going to say, ‘Vini, stop being an idiot,’ you don’t hide. When you have something to say that is unpleasant, that is disgusting, that’s when you cover your mouth."
Ferdinand claimed that the footage left little to the imagination. "What I’ve seen is very clear. Number 25 said it five times to Vini. We can’t accept this type of attitude. It’s wonderful to play in the Champions League, but giving this type of image is terrible for world football."
The "Dancing" Debate: A Catalyst for Hate?
A major point of contention for Ferdinand is the ongoing criticism of Vinícius Jr.’s goal celebrations. The Brazilian is famous for dancing after scoring, a move that often draws ire from rival fans and players. Ferdinand finds it unacceptable that in 2026, a dance is still used as a "justification" for racial abuse.
- The Defense: Ferdinand argued that players should be protected, not scrutinized for their joy.
- The Attack: He questioned why society and football institutions still offer a "shield" to those who lash out.
- The Quote: "How can we have people saying, ‘They shouldn’t dance, it’s okay that they’re abused because of the celebration’? When these little rats say these racist things, they should be denounced, warned, and punished. Why are we protecting them?"
UEFA Steps In: A Formal Investigation Begins
While definitive audio evidence of the slur has yet to be released, the gravity of the situation has forced UEFA to act. The governing body of European football officially announced a formal investigation into Prestianni’s conduct during the match at the Estádio da Luz.
UEFA officials confirmed they would review all available broadcast footage, VAR audio, and referee reports to determine the severity of the incident. If found guilty, Prestianni could face a lengthy ban and significant fines, setting a precedent for player-on-player racial abuse in the modern era.
As the football world awaits a verdict, one thing is clear: the fight for respect on the pitch is far from over.
