European football’s governing body UEFA has handed Gianluca Prestianni a temporary one-match suspension following allegations of racist conduct during a UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
Prestianni is accused of racially insulting Vinícius Júnior during last Tuesday’s Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and SL Benfica. As a result of the ban, the Argentine winger will miss Wednesday’s second leg of the knockout tie.
The first leg, played in Lisbon, ended in a 1–0 victory for Real Madrid after Vinícius scored the decisive goal in the second half. The match was temporarily halted for around 10 minutes shortly after the goal, when Vinícius celebrated near Benfica’s corner flag — an action that angered local fans and players.
French referee François Letexier showed Vinícius a yellow card following the celebration. Shortly afterward, the Brazilian forward accused Prestianni of calling him a “monkey.” UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was activated, but no immediate disciplinary action was taken during the match due to a lack of conclusive evidence. Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinícius. The Benfica player has denied making any racist remarks.
Vinícius, 25, has repeatedly been subjected to racist abuse during matches in La Liga, sparking ongoing debate about racism in football.
Benfica will also be without head coach José Mourinho for the second leg. Mourinho was shown a red card late in the first match and will serve a touchline suspension, watching the decisive fixture from the stands.
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