Soccer is less of a sport since Tuesday night. Once again, a central figure \u2013 and one with a track record of mocking and insulting fellow professionals \u2013 was determined to drag the game back into the cave, exposing humanity as if it had no intention of evolving toward something as basic as treating everyone equally. No, Prestianni, this time you did not kick a ball. You delivered a chilling message to the world that there are still those who refuse to move forward, who remain stuck in the belief that they are somehow superior to others.<\/p>\n
Only he, Vinicius and perhaps a few others near that bleak scene know what was said \u2013 and yes, the presumption of innocence exists. But his gesture gave him away. It was not praise for the Brazilian, that much is certain. It is telling that after a minute-long exchange he covered his mouth, and that the forward\u2019s reaction \u2013 a player who knows how to take a hit \u2013 was to sprint toward the referee to report the Argentine.<\/p>\n
The anti-racism protocol was activated, and at that point there was little more the referee could do. Yet Prestianni carried on as if nothing had happened, while Vinicius was shown a yellow card for celebrating his goal and sharing it with the stands \u2013 the same stands that had insulted him repeatedly. How long will abuse come without consequences?<\/p>\n
The worst came afterward. Beyond Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi repeatedly flashing the World Cup trophy at Vinicius, the most dispiriting moment arrived when Benfica sought to suggest nothing had occurred, that it was all fabrication, posting an image on social media of the Argentine covering his mouth with his shirt as if to certify that nothing had happened. Remarkable.<\/p>\n
All of this once again shows that soccer is not evolving in this regard. Benfica\u2019s priority \u2013 like that of other clubs in similar situations \u2013 is simply to avoid punishment. The fight against racism can wait for another day, perhaps one more convenient. It will happen again. Do not doubt it. Just look at the reaction of some supporters at the final whistle \u2013 aggressive, demanding justice in their own way, with threats as their argument.<\/p>\n
Soccer risks becoming a refuge for intolerance, and what is most alarming is that it begins on the field and spills into the crowd. It was a sad night. It could become one of the most meaningful if the case is pursued to the end. But do not be surprised if within hours the refrain is that there is no proof. And so it goes, until the next time. Spain has seen similar cases before.<\/p>\n
Dance, Vinicius.<\/p>\n
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