Felipe Luis weighs in on Vinícius crisis: Prestiani's mouth-covering move sparks backlash

Context

The Brazilian star, now Flamengo's coach, Felipe Luis, has weighed in on the escalating row between his countryman Vinícius Júnior and Benfica's Argentine forward Giancarlo Prestiani.

Vinícius accused Prestiani of directing racist remarks at him while he covered his mouth with his jersey during the match that Real Madrid barely won 1-0 in Lisbon last Tuesday, in the Champions League.

Luis told reporters today that the issue is simple: Prestiani covered his mouth, and he should not have done that.

The former Atlético Madrid defender added that covering one's mouth in such moments sends a negative signal, a sensitive issue, and if the alleged abuse occurred, consequences must follow.

Benfica will visit Real Madrid next Wednesday for the return leg of the knockout round, a tie that could seal a place in the Champions League last 16.

Punchline: If football could fix racism with a gesture, we'd all be wearing stripes by now.

Punchline 2: And if Luis is right, the only thing more offside than that talk is my fantasy football team.