Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has issued an apology following widespread criticism of his remarks during Amazon Prime's coverage of the Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
The 50-year-old admitted his on-air comments about Vinicius Jr were inappropriate after the Brazilian forward reported alleged racist abuse.
"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," Clattenburg wrote on X.
He acknowledged that his words during the live broadcast were "clumsy and not right," adding that he was "already learning from this."
Mark Clattenburg issues apology for criticising Vinicius Jr during racist abuse incident | GETTY/XThe controversy stemmed from Clattenburg's analysis during the ten-minute stoppage that followed Vinicius's complaint against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.
While serving as a pundit for Amazon Prime, the Newcastle-based official suggested the Real Madrid winger had created difficulties for match referee Francois Letexier.
"The problem in this situation is that Vinicius Junior has not helped himself. He has made this difficult for the referee," Clattenburg stated during the broadcast.
He continued: "He scored a wonderful goal and all he has to do is – yes celebrate – but return back.
Vinicius Jr was left furious during Real Madrid's Champions League win over Benfica | GETTY"He has made this situation very, very difficult."
Anti-discrimination campaigner Troy Townsend MBE, who has spent over a decade working with the charity Kick It Out, demanded that Clattenburg be permanently removed from broadcasting duties.
"He should never be involved in commentary again," Townsend posted on X.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Townsend described the former official's remarks as part of a "victim-blaming culture" that frequently surrounds incidents involving Vinicius Jr.
The father of former England international Andros Townsend warned that Clattenburg's words would have influenced a significant audience, calling his suggestion that the Brazilian had created problems for the referee "nothing short of outlandish" and "dangerous."
Gianluca Prestianni hid his face while speaking with Vinicius Jr in Benfica's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid | GETTYUEFA has launched an official investigation into the incident, appointing an ethics and disciplinary inspector to examine the allegations from the knockout play-off fixture.
Kylian Mbappe claimed he witnessed Prestianni direct racist language at his teammate, alleging the Benfica player covered his mouth with his shirt while repeatedly using the word "monkey."
"He put his shirt down here and said 'monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey'. I heard him say it, and some Benfica players heard him too," the France captain stated.
Vinicius Jr left the pitch as play was halted for 10 minutes | GETTYPrestianni has denied the accusations, insisting Vinicius misheard him and maintaining he has never been racist towards anyone.