‘I got it wrong’ – Mark Clattenburg issues apology for ‘clumsy’ comments about Vinicius Jr

Mark Clattenburg has apologised for his comments on commentary during Benfica vs Real Madrid in the Champions League about Vinicius Junior.

After scoring the winner for Los Blancos, the Brazilian winger was allegedly racially abused by Benfica‘s Gianluca Prestianni.

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Vinicius went to referee Francois Letexier to lodge his complaint, and Clattenburg said that the winger had made things difficult for Letexier.

And he has now issued an apology.

He said: “Nothing justifies racism in sport or in life. I’m grateful to have a chance to follow-up on last night. I got it wrong, I’m sorry.

“It was live TV, my job is to respond to the moment and the words I used were clumsy and not right.

“I’m already learning from this and appreciate my colleagues who covered the situation with class throughout.”

At the time of the situation, Clattenburg said: “As a referee, I have had this situation before when players have reported a racial comment on the field of play.

“All he (the referee) can do is make the report. Afterwards, then Uefa will look into this. As a referee it is very difficult in this situation.”

These comments didn’t go down well on social media, and Clattenburg has now responded.

What actually happened?

Following Vinicius Jr’s goal, Prestianni covered his shirt and allegedly aimed a racist slur at the forward.

The game was then suspended for ten minutes as it descended into chaos.

Jose Mourinho was sent off and defended his player, insisting that nothing racist was said.

Mourinho accused Vinicius of inciting the crowd.

He said: “It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal.

“These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately not just happy to score astonishing goal.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”

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Vinicius was booked for his celebration before he left the pitch in protest.

He later returned and daw out the game, and afterwards, he released a statement.

In the statement, he said: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are.

“But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.

“Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why.”