Gianluca Prestianni will miss SL Benfica’s second-leg showdown against Real Madrid after being provisionally suspended by UEFA over an alleged racist remark aimed at Vinícius Júnior.
Benfica received formal notification of the temporary suspension on Friday, with the disciplinary action taking immediate effect as UEFA continues its investigation into the incident.
The controversy stems from the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie at the Estádio da Luz on February 17, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory.
Video footage showed an exchange between Prestianni and Vinícius shortly after the Brazilian forward scored. During the interaction, Prestianni appeared to cover his mouth while speaking.
Vinícius subsequently reported to referee François Letexier that he had been subjected to a racist comment. The match was briefly halted as officials assessed the situation before allowing play to continue.
UEFA promptly launched a formal probe, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to gather evidence, review match footage, and interview players, match officials, and potential witnesses.
Prestianni has strongly denied the allegation, insisting he did not make any racist remark. He also expressed regret over the intense scrutiny and threats he says he has faced since the incident became public.
Real Madrid, however, has reportedly submitted evidence supporting Vinícius’ account and reiterated calls for firm action against discriminatory conduct in football.
Should UEFA find Prestianni guilty under Article 14 of its Disciplinary Regulations, he could face a minimum 10-match suspension or a defined period of ineligibility. Such a sanction would likely sideline him for the remainder of the current European campaign and potentially beyond.
The case has once again thrust the issue of racism in football into the spotlight. Vinícius has previously endured racist abuse in domestic and European competitions, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed demands for stronger enforcement measures.
UEFA’s handling of the matter — including the provisional suspension and the speed of its investigation — is expected to be closely monitored as European football authorities confront ongoing concerns over discrimination and player protection.
