MADRID, Spain — Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League knockout play-off second leg against Real Madrid, following allegations of racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. During last week’s first leg in Lisbon. The suspension, announced Monday, throws the tie into further turmoil as Real Madrid currently hold a 1-0 advantage.
The decision comes after an investigation into an incident that occurred during the match on February 17th, when play was halted for approximately eight minutes after Vinicius Jr. Reported being subjected to racist abuse from Prestianni. Referee Francois Letexier activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, signaling the start of proceedings to address the alleged offense.
UEFA stated that Prestianni has been suspended “without prejudice” for one match, meaning the suspension is temporary pending further investigation. Benfica has announced its intention to appeal the decision, but acknowledged the tight timeframe makes it unlikely Prestianni will be available for the crucial match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to reports, Prestianni has denied racially abusing Vinicius Jr., claiming he used a homophobic slur instead. Sources speaking to ESPN revealed that Prestianni told UEFA officials he called Vinicius Jr. A derogatory anti-gay slur – “m——” in Spanish – rather than using a racial epithet like “mono” (monkey). This claim was initially reported by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Real Madrid’s midfielder, immediately after the first leg.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed focus on the ongoing issue of racism in football. Vinicius Jr., 25, has been the target of racist abuse on multiple occasions, with La Liga reporting 26 incidents directed towards him since October 2021. This latest incident adds to the growing pressure on football authorities to take stronger action against discriminatory behavior.
Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.’s teammate at Real Madrid, publicly stated he heard the alleged abuse during the match. “I heard it,” Mbappé said, adding that he believed some Benfica players also overheard the offensive language. He expressed his belief that Prestianni should not be allowed to participate in the second leg.
Real Madrid has submitted a dossier of evidence to UEFA, supporting their claim that Vinicius Jr. Was subjected to racist abuse. The club’s coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, has called for Prestianni to be punished, hoping the case will serve as a turning point in the fight against racism in soccer.
The potential punishment for racial abuse under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations is severe, carrying a minimum suspension of 10 games if proven. Article 14 of UEFA’s regulations treats both racist and anti-gay abuse with the same level of seriousness.
This suspension comes at a critical juncture in the Champions League season. The play-off round is a high-stakes battle for a place in the Round of 16, and the outcome of Wednesday’s match will determine which team progresses. Real Madrid, aiming for a record-extending 15th Champions League title, will be looking to capitalize on their first-leg advantage and the absence of Prestianni.
Benfica, meanwhile, will be hoping to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the competition’s knockout stages. The Portuguese club will undoubtedly be motivated to prove themselves on the pitch, despite the controversy surrounding Prestianni’s suspension. The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current anti-racism protocols and the speed with which UEFA responds to allegations of abuse. Even as the swift provisional suspension is a step in the right direction, many are calling for more comprehensive and proactive measures to address the root causes of racism in football.
For fans, the focus now shifts to the on-field action. However, the shadow of this alleged incident will undoubtedly hang over the match, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges the sport faces in combating discrimination. The outcome of the UEFA investigation will be closely watched, not only by Real Madrid and Benfica, but by the entire football community.
What’s Next: Real Madrid will host Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, February 26th, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM EST). UEFA is expected to continue its investigation into the alleged incident and will announce its final decision in due course.
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