Casquero slams 'covering mouths' after Prestianni-Vinicius incident
Former footballer Javi Casquero believes players covering their mouths during alleged racist incidents should be viewed as incriminating evidence.
A panel of Spanish football experts have called for tougher measures against racism following the alleged incident between Benfica’s Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
”Covering mouths should be incriminating”
Javi Casquero didn’t mince his words on Radio MARCA’s ‘El Corrillo’ show when discussing the alleged racist incident that overshadowed Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica. The former midfielder suggested that players who cover their mouths during such incidents should face automatic scrutiny.
“Covering your mouth in cases like this should be incriminating,” Casquero stated firmly during the discussion.
Experts call for stronger action
During the same programme, DAZN commentator Alberto Pérez pointed to what he perceived as Prestianni’s suspicious behaviour:
- Suggested the Benfica player’s gestures indicated guilt
- Argued an innocent person would react more strongly to such accusations
- Claimed Prestianni’s calmness was telling
David Sánchez ‘Cañete’ urged UEFA to use this incident as an opportunity to set a precedent, insisting that such episodes cannot be tolerated any longer in European football.
”Shameful” protocols
The panel’s criticism didn’t stop there, with Ricardo Rosety of GOL TV calling for stricter protocols against racist abuse. He questioned why multiple incidents must occur before a match is suspended, expressing his embarrassment that Prestianni was allowed to leave the pitch at the Estádio da Luz “like a hero”.
The conversation reflects growing frustration among Spanish football commentators about the apparent lack of progress in tackling racism, with many feeling the beautiful game is still putting club loyalties above fundamental human dignity.
For Madrid supporters, it’s another chapter in what’s been a right old dog’s dinner of incidents involving Vinicius Jr, who continues to be at the centre of these distressing situations.