BUENOS AIRES – Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has vehemently denied accusations of racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League playoff match in February, stating he was sanctioned by UEFA “without proof.” The 20-year-old Argentine international addressed the controversy in a recent interview with Telefe, a major Argentinian broadcaster, from his family home outside Buenos Aires.
“I have never been racist, and I never will be,” Prestianni emphasized. “What hurt me the most was to be accused of something I never did.”
The incident occurred during the first leg of the Champions League playoff tie on February 17th. Vinícius Júnior reported to the referee that Prestianni had directed a racial slur toward him although covering his mouth with his shirt. The accusation led to a 10-minute stoppage in play. UEFA swiftly launched an investigation, and subsequently issued a provisional one-match ban for Prestianni, ruling him out of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Benfica were ultimately eliminated from the competition.
Prestianni clarified that he did not utter a racist insult, stating, “It was something I didn’t say, and they punished me without proof.” He expressed gratitude for the support he received from Benfica, his teammates, and manager José Mourinho during the ordeal.
The forward’s defense comes as UEFA continues its investigation into the matter. According to ESPN, Prestianni previously provided evidence to UEFA stating he used an anti-gay slur – “m——” in Spanish – rather than the racial epithet of “mono” (monkey) that Vinícius Júnior initially reported. This detail, initially reported by Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni after the game, adds another layer to the complex situation. ESPN’s reporting details this specific claim made by Prestianni during the investigation.
Benfica has strongly defended Prestianni, condemning what they described as a “smear campaign” against the player. Prestianni echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the unwavering support from the club and his colleagues. “I’m very grateful to my club, which believed in me and supported me in every way,” he said. “Both the club and my teammates showed me that [support] behind closed doors.”
The controversy surrounding the incident has sparked wider debate about racism in football. Vinícius Júnior has been the target of racist abuse on multiple occasions, highlighting a persistent problem within the sport. The case too raises questions about the speed and transparency of UEFA’s disciplinary procedures, particularly when dealing with serious allegations like racism.
Prestianni’s ban, while provisional, prevented him from participating in a crucial match against Real Madrid. He expressed his disappointment at missing the opportunity to play, but stated, “It’s over.” However, the ongoing UEFA investigation means the matter is far from resolved.
Despite the off-field turmoil, Prestianni remains focused on his career. He was recently included in the Argentina national team squad, although he did not feature in recent friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia. He expressed his ambition to earn a place in the squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Prestianni’s strong performance at the recent Under-20 World Cup, where Argentina finished as runners-up, has further fueled his hopes of representing his country on the biggest stage.
The young forward made his senior debut for Argentina in November, featuring in a 2-0 victory over Angola. He is considered a promising talent and could be a key player for Argentina in the future. His ability to place the recent controversy behind him and focus on his football will be crucial as he strives to achieve his international ambitions.
The situation remains sensitive, and the outcome of UEFA’s ongoing investigation will be closely watched. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing football in combating racism and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all players. The league has yet to release a statement regarding the ongoing investigation, but has confirmed that it is still active. ESPN’s reporting indicates that UEFA has not yet provided a definitive timeline for the completion of the investigation.
Prestianni is currently focused on finishing the season strongly with Benfica. The club will be looking to secure a strong finish in the Portuguese league and potentially challenge for silverware. His performances will be under scrutiny as he aims to demonstrate his quality and put the recent controversy firmly behind him.
What’s Next: Benfica will continue their league campaign this weekend, with Prestianni expected to be available for selection. The outcome of UEFA’s investigation remains pending, and any further developments will be closely monitored.
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