The implementation of the anti-racism football protocol is not what fans want to see on the pitch, but it has become a recurring nightmare for Real Madrid. From last June’s Club World Cup tie against Pachuca to Tuesday’s UCL clash in Lisbon, the protocol’s “X” gesture has been a dark warning.

Its implementation was never a positive sign. Rather, it is a worrying sign that the sport has been blighted by unacceptable behavior and discriminatory language – behavior that has no place in football or society at large.

Revenge may be the main emotion among Real Madrid players as they prepare to face Benfica before the game. Just a few weeks ago, Jose Mourinho’s side beat Alvaro Arbeloa’s side 4-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals, a result that likely added to the intensity of the game, as was evident from kick-off.

The clash between Real Madrid and Benfica was supposed to be a match of stunning goals and Europe’s elite football. Instead, the focus turned to the anti-racism football protocol launched in the wake of alleged racist comments.

What happened?

Was Vinicius “at fault” in the melee?

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho claimed after the game that Vinicius Junior was the instigator of the incident, saying the Brazilian’s samba celebration was “disrespectful” and sparked a melee by angering the home fans.

After scoring one of the most exciting goals in the Champions League this season, Vinicius danced in celebration in front of Benfica fans, a moment that sparked an angry reaction from some of the crowd, with objects thrown at him and other Real Madrid players.

In Lisbon, it’s not just players who come together over disagreements or the way they celebrate goals. This is a textbook example of the worst toxicity in modern football. When one player’s joy is met with flying objects and racial slurs, it exposes deeper problems, such as a broken sports culture where tribalism simply takes precedence over human dignity.

There is a heated debate over whether Vinicius was responsible for the altercation between players from both teams. But one thing is important. When emotions boil over, “red lines” should not be crossed – celebration is part of the game, but discrimination, name-calling or any form of personal attack has no place in the game, no matter the circumstances.

As the players returned to half-time, Gianluca Prestani was met by Vinicius, who covered his mouth with his shirt and said something the Real Madrid attacker claimed was racist, with referee François Letexier immediately signaling anti-racism football protocol by crossing his arms into an “X” – the official gesture introduced by FIFA in 2024 to combat discriminatory abuse.

Then the game was paused for ten minutes. The pause was exactly what the Anti-Racism Football Protocol was designed to do: stop play, acknowledge the incident and allow tensions to ease. If abuse continues, please pause. If this persists, abandon the game entirely.

On the surface, it works fine. It empowers players, forces referees to take action and makes discrimination impossible to ignore in the moment.

The anti-racism football deal and its biggest weakness

Should more measures have been taken during the 10-minute suspension?

Vinicius believes more should be done. His teammates — and anyone who stands firmly against racism — feel the same way.

Without meaningful penalties, anti-racism football protocols may feel like little more than a 10-minute break. The game resumes, the crowd quiets down and the football continues as if nothing happened.

But for players who suffered abuse, the feeling of injustice still lingers. So, what’s the best way forward?

Audio/VAR review

By 2026, sports venues are already using extensive surveillance. Integrating more advanced court-side microphones will allow for audio review of the system and make it harder for offenders to hide behind their shirts to cover their mouths or crowd noise.

Critics have suggested that anti-racism football protocols should include mandatory high-level reviews of all available broadcast and pitch-side microphones during the suspension period. This involves locating the nearest and clearest available audio from a microphone close to the player in order to accurately determine the exact words spoken.

In a post-match interview, Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde said it was “incredible” that no recordings were found despite dozens of cameras.

Deport suspected abusers

If during the ten-minute suspension an audio review confirms that racist comments were directed at a player, then an automatic red card should be issued, which would demonstrate zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior and anyone found guilty of such behavior should not have a place on the pitch.

Also on ETT: Five injury-prone players overcame injuries and successfully redefined their careers

Stronger stadium warning

The fact that fans continued to throw objects late in the game, despite the announcement, suggests the “public warning” phase of the anti-racism football protocol was too weak to deter home crowds.

Stadium warnings should be more than routine announcements over loudspeakers and, if possible, displayed on stadium screens. It should be a tough, thoughtful, visible and escalating message designed to make it clear that discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.

Automatic sports sanctions

Without meaningful sanctions being imposed on any player found to have engaged in racist behavior, the intended impact on the game will simply not be realized. The consequences must be strong enough to act as a real deterrent.

Individual sanctions, such as bans from UEFA competition for multiple seasons, will reinforce the career-changing consequences of racism.

In addition to individual penalties, clubs should also face meaningful accountability, such as substantial points deductions and hefty financial penalties.

If Prestiani is ultimately found guilty after a proper investigation, he should face disciplinary action commensurate with the seriousness of the offence.

Why Vinicius thinks anti-racism football deal still isn’t enough

It will be challenging for the Brazilian to seek justice in this case because it hinges on his comments about Prestani – highlighting the weaknesses that remain in anti-racism football protocols.

There is no clear sound. There is no clear evidence of lip-reading. The alleged criminal covered his mouth. Without evidence, the offenders cannot be punished appropriately.

This is the disturbing reality. Anti-racism protocols are procedural. It creates disruption. It creates awareness. But without enforceable consequences, will it really prevent future events from occurring?

Vinicius later criticized what he saw as “poor implementation of the agreement”. His frustration highlights a central flaw: the anti-racism football protocol protects the moment, but can it protect victims in the long term?

UEFA will investigate. But investigations related to it often rely on evidence that is increasingly difficult to capture in real time.

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Credit: imagery /one ZUMA creasing

Recording date: February 17, 2026