UEFA has suspended Gianluca Prestianni for one game after allegations that he racially abused Vinícius Júnior during Benfica’s Champions League playoff against Real Madrid.
The incident happened in the first leg at Benfica’s stadium, where Vinícius claimed Prestianni called him a racist slur. The match was paused for 10 minutes after the referee activated the anti-racism protocol. Vinícius’s teammate, Kylian Mbappé, also said he heard the abuse.
Prestianni denied the accusation, and Benfica defended their player, calling the situation a “smear campaign.” The club said they will appeal the decision but admitted the suspension means the 20-year-old winger will miss the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
UEFA has described the one-game ban as a temporary measure while the investigation continues. If found guilty, Prestianni could face a much longer suspension.
Meanwhile, Benfica coach José Mourinho will not speak to the media as he is serving a touchline ban. His assistant will handle press duties for the crucial second leg, where Benfica trail 1-0 after Vinícius scored the winner in the first match.
