Tag: Champions League

Clattenburg apologises for “clumsy” Vinicius commentary after Benfica racism allegation

Mark Clattenburg
February 2026

Mark Clattenburg apologised for “clumsy” analysis after suggesting Vinicius should have simply returned to position following his goal, during a match halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocol after alleged racist abuse involving Prestianni. After Vinicius scored, an exchange with Prestianni at halfway led Vinicius to report the incident to referee Letexier and the match was paused. Clattenburg’s on-air remarks drew backlash, including criticism from Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.

Vinicius accuses Prestianni of racial slur as Benfica clash halted under FIFA protocol

Vinicius Junior
February 2026

Vinicius Junior issued a statement alleging Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at him. The match was stopped for around 10 minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to referee Francois Letexier and FIFA’s racism protocol was activated. After scoring the winner and being booked for his celebration, Vinicius argued with Prestianni, then reported the alleged slur. Players briefly left the pitch during the protocol pause before play resumed. Vinicius later criticised the process as ineffective, while the CBF publicly backed him and reiterated that racism is a crime.

Mourinho denies Benfica racism claim after Vinicius incident triggers FIFA protocol in Lisbon

Jose Mourinho
February 2026

Jose Mourinho said Benfica “cannot be a racist club” after Vinicius Junior alleged abuse involving a Benfica player, prompting activation of FIFA’s racism protocol and a 10-minute stoppage. Mourinho also suggested Vinicius escalated the situation after scoring. Following Vinicius’ goal and celebration, an exchange with Prestianni led to protests and the protocol being initiated. Mourinho was later sent off for dissent, then defended Benfica post-match and argued incidents follow Vinicius across stadiums.

Real Madrid Sweat on Mbappé After Second Straight Missed Training Session

Kylian Mbappé
February 2026

Mbappé missed group training for a second day with recurring left-knee discomfort, creating doubt over his availability for Real Sociedad and concern ahead of Benfica. He worked in the gym away from the squad and did not join on-pitch tactical work. No official medical report was cited, but the continued absence close to matchday signals Real are managing the issue cautiously.

Paul Green Leaves Chelsea Women Role After 13 Years and 19 Trophies

Paul Green
February 2026

Chelsea confirmed Paul Green has left his Head of Women’s Football role, ending a 13-year spell that included major recruitment influence and a trophy haul of 19. Green joined in 2013 and helped build the programme through sustained domestic dominance, including multiple league and cup titles and a Champions League final appearance. He also contributed to appointing Bompastor as Hayes’ successor, with Bompastor delivering an unbeaten domestic treble in her first season.

Rodrygo Hamstring Injury and Two-Match Champions League Ban

Rodrygo
January 2026

Rodrygo has a right hamstring injury (around 10-day estimate) and will miss both legs of the Champions League knockout play-off due to a two-match ban for abusive language toward officials. Madrid confirmed the hamstring issue, which would normally allow a quick return, but the suspension overrides availability for the Benfica rematch. He is also set to miss domestic fixtures (Valencia, Real Sociedad) and could return by February 21 vs Osasuna, depending on recovery.

Paul Pogba Dropped From Monaco’s Champions League Squad for PSG Play-Off

Paul Pogba
January 2026

Monaco removed Pogba from their Champions League squad, with the midfielder limited to three brief Ligue 1 appearances and still battling recurring fitness issues after his ban and long layoff. Reports say Monaco also dropped Salisu and Minamino due to injuries, replacing them with Diatta, Faes and Adingra for the two-legged tie.

Carrick Would Consider Rashford Return if He Lands United Job Permanently, Barca Option Looms

Michael Carrick
January 2026

Reports claim Carrick would be open to bringing Rashford back if appointed permanently, despite Rashford stating he wants to stay at Barcelona. Rashford has nine goals and nine assists in 31 appearances and says his aim is to remain at Barca, but the club’s ability to activate a reported £26m option is uncertain; Carrick’s stance contrasts with Ruben Amorim, who reportedly did not want Rashford at United.

De Zerbi “In Great Danger” After Marseille UCL Exit, Benatia Calls It “Shame”

Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026

De Zerbi is under major pressure after Marseille failed to reach the Champions League playoffs, losing heavily and missing out when Benfica grabbed the last qualifying spot on goal difference. Marseille were thrashed 3-0 by Brugge and had conceded six goals across two UCL games; De Zerbi apologised and called it a “very bad day,” while Benatia aimed his anger at the players, saying the performance should have consequences and describing it as shameful.

Gerrard Says Slot PSG Comment “Body Blow” for Liverpool Fans

Steven Gerrard
January 2026

Gerrard criticised Slot for suggesting Liverpool’s early Champions League exit to PSG helped them win the league, saying it undermines fans who invested emotionally and financially in Europe. Gerrard argued Liverpool were already 15 points clear when eliminated, so framing the exit as beneficial feels dismissive to supporters who felt the European elimination was a genuine failure.

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