UEFA has launched an investigation after Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during Tuesday’s Champions League playoff match in Lisbon. The incident, which occurred during the first half of Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory, led to a 10-minute stoppage as Vinícius reported the alleged abuse to referee François Letexier.
Benfica has vehemently defended Prestianni, claiming the player has been the victim of a “defamation campaign.” The Portuguese club released a video Wednesday appearing to exonerate Prestianni, arguing that the distance between the players made it unlikely that Real Madrid players could have overheard any alleged insult. “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard,” Benfica stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Vinícius Júnior, who has been subjected to racist abuse on multiple occasions throughout his career, initially reported the incident to the referee and later posted on Instagram, stating, “Racists are, above all, cowards.” Several Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, reportedly claimed to have heard a racist remark from Prestianni while he covered his mouth after being booked for celebrating a goal in front of Benfica supporters.
The video released by Benfica focuses on the positioning of Real Madrid players at the time of the alleged incident. It highlights that players such as Arda Guler, Mbappé, and Eduardo Camavinga were several meters away when Prestianni covered his mouth. The club contends that this distance makes it improbable that the Real Madrid players could have accurately heard any comment made by Prestianni. The video also shows Vinícius reporting the incident to the referee after both players were isolated from their teammates.
Prestianni himself has denied the accusations, stating on his Instagram account, “I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.” Benfica echoed this sentiment, asserting that Prestianni’s “conduct in the service of the club has always been guided by respect for opponents.”
Real Madrid responded Thursday by stating they had provided UEFA with “all available evidence” related to the alleged abuse, describing it as “unacceptable” and expressing gratitude for the support Vinícius has received. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also issued a statement of solidarity with Vinícius, condemning the alleged racism as a “crime” and praising his courage in activating the anti-racism protocol.
UEFA has appointed an inspector to investigate the allegations of discriminatory behavior. Prestianni could face a minimum 10-match ban from European competition if found guilty. The second leg of the Champions League tie is scheduled to be played in Madrid next Wednesday, leaving UEFA with limited time to review the evidence and reach a determination.
