UEFA Suspends Prestianni Over Alleged Racist Abuse Of Vinícius Júnior

‎UEFA has provisionally suspended Gianluca Prestianni for Wednesday’s Champions League playoff against Real Madrid following allegations that he racially abused Vinícius Júnior in the first leg.

‎The suspension will remain in place while UEFA completes its investigation. Benfica said they will appeal the decision.

‎The club expressed disappointment at being “deprived” of the player during the process but admitted the appeal is unlikely to allow him to play in the return match in Madrid.

‎Vinícius alleged that Prestianni racially abused him during Madrid’s 1-0 win in Lisbon, prompting UEFA to appoint an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate.

‎Uefa said further punishment could be handed out once its investigation has been completed. Prestianni has denied racist abuse.

‎If UEFA finds the Argentinian guilty of racism he could face a 10-match ban. Uefa said the provisional ban was “without prejudice to any ruling that the Uefa disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the Uefa disciplinary bodies”.

‎Benfica said in a statement, “The club regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation and will appeal this UEFA decision, even if the applicable timelines are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League playoff.

‎“Benfica also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism and discriminatory values that are part of its historical identity and reflected in its daily actions, its global community, the work of the Benfica Foundation, and major figures in the club’s history, such as Eusébio.”

‎Benfica said last week they would collaborate with the investigation but outlined their support for Prestianni, who they said was “a victim” of a “smear campaign”.

‎The match was halted for 10 minutes after Vinícius Júnior scored the lone goal, with Real Madrid players initially ready to leave the pitch following an exchange in which Gianluca Prestianni appeared to say something to Vinícius while covering his mouth with his shirt.

‎Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé has publicly alleged that Prestianni repeatedly directed a racist insult at Vinícius, claiming it was said five times.

‎Vinícius did not speak after the match but posted a message on Instagram that said, “Racists are above all cowards [who] need to put their shirts over their mouth to demonstrate how weak they are.”

‎Prestianni wrote on Instagram, “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”

‎Benfica manager, José Mourinho was recently criticized for “gaslighting” after referencing Vinícius Júnior’s goal celebration while addressing the incident will not hold his usual pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

‎The club announced on Monday that assistant coach João Tralhão will handle media duties at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium instead.