February 24 – SL Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a provisional one-match suspension by UEFA following allegations of racist abuse during last week’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
The suspension means Prestianni is set to miss the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, with UEFA confirming the sanction has been imposed on an interim basis pending the outcome of a full disciplinary investigation. Further measures could follow once the case has been reviewed by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.
The controversy reared its head during the first leg in Lisbon when Real forward Vinicius Junior informed referee François Letexier that he had been racially abused by the 20-year-old Argentine.
The match was then delayed for roughly 10 minutes in the second half while discussions took place, with Madrid’s players briefly leaving the pitch in protest. Prestianni has denied the allegation – instead claiming his remark was actually a homophobic slur in a bizarre attempt to rescue his situation.
UEFA stated there was sufficient evidence at this stage to establish a “prima facie violation”, justifying immediate action while the investigation continues. In a statement, the governing body said the provisional ban is “without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”
In truth, the ban maybe come to the relief of the player – who would likely be the subject of considerable abuse both from the Real Madrid crowd and their angry players.
The first leg in Lisbon had already carried added edge. Vinicius scored in Madrid’s 1-0 win and was booked for his celebration in front of the home support, where he suggestively danced on the corner flag.
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who was later sent off and is suspended for the return leg, drew criticism for post-match comments suggesting the Brazilian’s celebrations were provocative and caused Prestianni’s alleged outburst.
Because of that suspension, Mourinho will not address the media before the Bernabéu fixture, with assistant João Tralhão set to fulfil press duties.
Benfica have confirmed they will appeal the provisional suspension, although club sources acknowledge it is unlikely that any appeal would be resolved in time to alter his availability for tomorrow’s return fixture.
In responding to UEFA’s decision, Benfica said they “regret being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation” and reiterated their commitment to combating racism and discrimination. The club referenced their history and figures such as Eusebio in underlining those values.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1771931202labto1771931202ofdlr1771931202owedi1771931202sni@g1771931202niwe.1771931202yrrah1771931202