UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body opened an investigation after the Champions League play-off first leg on February 17. The match at the Estádio da Luz then halted for nearly 10 minutes.
Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr had scored and celebrated by the corner flag, sparking a confrontation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The Brazilian forward accused Prestianni of calling him a racist slur.
On Friday, UEFA handed the 20 year old winger a six match suspension. The governing body cited “discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct” in its ruling. Three of those matches will remain suspended for a two year probation period.
Additionally, Prestianni had already served one match of a provisional ban. Consequently, he must serve only two more games in UEFA competitions.
Prestianni initially denied the allegations on social media. “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard,” the player stated.
He also added, “I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.” However, the Argentine later reportedly admitted to using a homophobic slur directed at Vinícius.
Benfica defended its player following the incident. The club claimed there was a “defamation campaign” against him and stated it “fully supports” his version of events. Meanwhile, UEFA has requested that FIFA extend the ban worldwide. If approved, the suspension would also apply to international duty, including the World Cup.
