Benfica right-back Sidny Lopes Cabral had a change of heart and did not swap jerseys with Real Madrid‘s Vinícius Júnior after Wednesday’s Champions League encounter because of fears it might lead to “internal problems” in his squad.
Lopes Cabral, 23, was criticised by Benfica supporters after images showed the Cape Verde international asking Vinícius for his shirt during his team’s 2-1 loss to Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Brazilian Vinícius, who scored two of Madrid’s three goals in the tie, had accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during the first leg in Lisbon, which led to UEFA provisionally suspending the Argentinian.
Lopes Cabral confirmed through his press office that he requested Vinícius’ shirt at the end of the game but the exchange did not take place. “The player acted impulsively by asking Vinícius — a player he acknowledges that he likes — but upon arriving in the locker room, he realized that such behavior could create internal problems and affect the team,” his press office said.
“In this regard, he clarified the situation with Benfica’s management. The player remains with the team, was unaware that his action could have such a large impact, and will strive to continue to improve and help Benfica in the final stretch of the season.”
Benfica lost 3-1 on aggregate as Madrid progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League.
– Benfica deny report Prestianni admitted to abuse of Vini
– Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni on Prestianni suspension: ‘Victory for all of us’
