UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations of racist behaviour towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg. The suspension will witness Prestianni miss the second leg in Madrid, while UEFA’s disciplinary proceedings continue.
The decision follows an investigation launched after Vinicius Jr. Alleged Prestianni made a racially charged comment during the match at the Estádio da Luz. The incident occurred after Vinicius Jr. Scored the opening goal and celebrated in front of the Benfica supporters, prompting a confrontation with Prestianni, who reportedly covered his mouth while speaking to the Real Madrid player. Referee François Letexier halted play and activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol in response.
Benfica have announced they will appeal the suspension, despite acknowledging the limited practical impact on the second leg. The club stated it is still considering including Prestianni in their travelling squad to Madrid, potentially allowing him to play if the appeal is successful.
Prestianni has denied the allegations, releasing a statement on Instagram, which Benfica too shared, claiming he did not direct racist insults at Vinicius Jr. And that the Real Madrid player “misunderstood what he thought he heard.” He also expressed regret over threats received from Real Madrid players.
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s striker, stated he overheard the alleged racist abuse. “He place his shirt here [over his mouth] to say Vinicius is a ****** five times. I heard it. There are Benfica players who heard it as well,” Mbappé said after the game. He added that Prestianni “doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore.”
The incident has drawn criticism towards Benfica manager José Mourinho, who appeared to question Vinicius Jr.’s goal celebrations in his post-match comments. Mourinho, who was sent off during the first leg and is suspended for the return match, will not be speaking to the media before Wednesday’s game, with his assistant João Tralhão taking his place. Mourinho had stated he did not believe either account of the incident, and referenced Benfica legend Eusébio as evidence against racism within the club.
This is not the first instance of Vinicius Jr. Being subjected to racist abuse. In June 2024, three Valencia fans were jailed for eight months for racially abusing him during a LaLiga match. Four individuals were also convicted for hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr. From a bridge in Madrid, and five Real Valladolid fans were found guilty of racially abusing him in a 2022 match. Following the Valencia incident, Vinicius Jr. Stated that LaLiga “belongs to racism.”
UEFA regulations stipulate that a minimum 10-game ban could be imposed if Prestianni is found to have engaged in discriminatory behaviour. The disciplinary process is ongoing, and UEFA has stated the provisional ban does not prejudice the outcome of a full hearing.
Following the match, Vinicius Jr. Posted on Instagram: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.”
