Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been given a provisional one-match suspension following allegations of racist abuse reported by Vinicius Jr during last week’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
The decision, confirmed by UEFA, means the Argentine winger is set to miss Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid, scheduled for 20:00 GMT. European football’s governing body stated the suspension is provisional, pending the outcome of a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector. It added that further sanctions could follow once proceedings are complete.
The incident occurred during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon. Vinicius informed referee Francois Letexier that he had been racially abused by Prestianni during the second half. The match was halted for 10 minutes as the Brazilian forward and his team-mates temporarily left the pitch.
Prestianni has strongly denied the accusation. Benfica confirmed they intend to appeal the provisional ban, though the club acknowledged that the timing of the process makes it unlikely to alter the player’s availability for Wednesday’s decisive encounter.
In a statement, Benfica said it “regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation.” The club added it would file an appeal “even though the deadlines in question are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League play-off.”
The heated contest in Lisbon saw Vinicius, 25, score a spectacular goal before receiving a yellow card for celebrating in front of Benfica supporters. Tensions escalated later in the match, which also resulted in Benfica manager Jose Mourinho being sent off. Mourinho, who is suspended for the return leg, faced criticism after suggesting Vinicius had celebrated in a disrespectful manner.
With Mourinho banned from the touchline and pre-match media duties, assistant coach Joao Tralhao will address reporters at the Bernabeu.
UEFA explained that its provisional measure was imposed because there was sufficient evidence to indicate a “prima facie violation” based on the information currently available. The governing body stressed that the suspension is “without prejudice to any ruling” that may follow the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
Benfica also reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racism and discrimination, describing those principles as part of its historic identity, reflected in its global community, foundation work, and legendary figures such as Eusebio.
As matters stand, Prestianni will watch from the sidelines in Madrid while the investigation continues.
