UEFA has suspended Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations he racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
The 20-year-old Argentine will miss Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg in Madrid as a result of the provisional ban, which has been imposed “without prejudice” while the investigation continues.
Benfica has announced it will appeal the decision but accepts the timescale means Prestianni is unlikely to play in the decisive fixture. Real Madrid holds a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lisbon.
What happened in the first leg?
Last week’s match at the Estadio da Luz was stopped for around eight minutes after Vinicius Jr, 25, alleged that Prestianni had directed racist abuse at him following the Brazilian’s second-half goal.
Referee Francois Letexier spoke to Vinicius Jr before activating FIFA’s racial abuse protocol by crossing his wrists above his head.
UEFA opened an investigation the following day. If the offence is proven, it carries a minimum suspension of 10 matches.
What has been said about the incident?
Prestianni has denied the allegations in an Instagram post, stating that “at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard”.
Benfica released a statement expressing its “historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion” and said it “fully supports and believes in the version presented by the player”.
However, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe claimed after the match that he heard Prestianni “say that Vinicius is a monkey, five times”.
Club statements
Benfica’s statement on Monday read: “The club regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation and will appeal this UEFA decision, even though the deadlines in question are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League play-off.
“The club also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism or discrimination, values that are part of its historical identity.”
Real Madrid previously stated: “Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match.
“Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr has received from all areas of the global football community.”
Mourinho’s comments criticised
Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho suggested after the first leg that Vinicius Jr had incited the incident. He also referenced Benfica’s legendary Black player Eusebio.
Anti-racism charity Kick it Out condemned Mourinho’s remarks on social media as “a form of gaslighting” that “sends the wrong message”. Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany described Mourinho’s comments as “a huge mistake”.
Mourinho is not due to address the media before Wednesday’s match after receiving a red card in an unrelated incident during the first leg. His assistant, Joao Tralhao, will take Tuesday’s press conference at the Bernabeu instead.
Previous incidents
Vinicius Jr has been subjected to racial abuse multiple times throughout his career in Spain.
Last May, five supporters received suspended prison sentences and fines for racist chants directed at the Brazil international during a match against Real Valladolid.
Earlier this month, second-tier Spanish side Albacete said they were “pained and ashamed” after a banana was thrown at Vinicius Jr during a Copa de Rey game.
The forward scored in his first game since the alleged abuse, Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday. La Liga is investigating footage that appeared to show Osasuna fans chanting “Vinicius, muerete” (Vinicius, die) during that match.
Precedent for provisional suspension
UEFA’s decision to provisionally suspend Prestianni while the investigation continues has precedent.
In 2021, Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela was provisionally banned for one match after Rangers’ Glen Kamara alleged he was racially abused following a Europa League match. Kudela missed his side’s game against Arsenal as a result and was later handed a 10-match ban.
What happens next?
The second leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday without Prestianni in the Benfica squad, barring a successful appeal that is considered unlikely given the timeframe.
UEFA has stated the suspension is imposed “without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation”.