A photograph of Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni challenging Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. During a January match was reportedly the background image on the Argentinian winger’s mobile phone as recently as six days ago, according to a video circulating online. The image surfaced following allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr. During Tuesday’s Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid.
The footage, originating from a Benfica team video, shows Prestianni seated next to teammate Nicolás Otamendi on a flight to Ponta Delgada in the Azores on February 12th, ahead of a Portuguese league match against Santa Clara. Prestianni’s phone, visible in his hand, displays the image of him pursuing Vinicius Jr. With the ball during the January 28th Champions League fixture at Estádio da Luz, a match Benfica won 4-2.
That victory secured Benfica’s place in the Champions League playoff round, where they faced Real Madrid on Tuesday. Real Madrid won the match 1-0, with Vinicius Jr. Scoring the decisive goal in the 50th minute. Following the goal, Vinicius Jr. Celebrated near the corner flag and engaged in an exchange with Prestianni, who briefly covered his mouth with his jersey.
According to reports, in the 51st minute and 26 seconds of the match, Vinicius Jr. Alerted French referee François Letexier to alleged racist insults from Prestianni. The referee then initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, halting play for eight minutes. UEFA has since opened a formal investigation into the allegation, according to Yahoo Sports.
Kylian Mbappé has publicly called for Prestianni to be banned from the Champions League following the incident, as reported by The Real Champs. Vinicius Jr. Himself reportedly responded to the alleged abuse, stating that “racists are cowards,” according to reports from the BBC and The Guardian.
The incident occurred during the first leg of the Champions League playoff, with the return leg scheduled to be played in Madrid. The outcome of UEFA’s investigation remains pending.