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UEFA Suspends Benfica’s Prestianni Amidst Racism Allegations Against Vinícius Júnior
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA following accusations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League playoff match on February 17, 2026. The suspension means Prestianni will miss the second leg of the tie, scheduled for Wednesday.
Incident During Champions League Playoff
The incident occurred during the first leg at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz. Vinícius Júnior alleged that Prestianni racially abused him after scoring the game’s only goal. The forward initially refused to continue playing, prompting a 10-minute stoppage as the referee activated the anti-racism protocol. Prestianni reportedly covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinícius Júnior.
UEFA Investigation and Benfica’s Response
UEFA has opened a formal investigation into the allegations, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to gather evidence. Prestianni has denied the accusations. The suspension was requested by the Inspector as part of the ongoing investigation, relating to a potential violation of Article 14 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations, concerning discriminatory behavior.
Benfica has expressed regret over the suspension and announced its intention to appeal the decision, though the club acknowledged the appeal is unlikely to affect Prestianni’s availability for the second leg. The club reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism and discrimination.
What Was Said?
Sources indicate that Prestianni stated he called Vinícius Júnior an anti-gay slur in Spanish, rather than the racial slur “mono” (monkey). Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni reported this explanation after confronting Prestianni following the match. Kylian Mbappé has claimed to have personally heard Prestianni racially abuse Vinícius Júnior five times.
Potential Consequences
If found guilty of racism, Prestianni could face a 10-match ban from UEFA competitions. UEFA stated the provisional suspension does not prejudice any future rulings made by its disciplinary bodies after the investigation concludes.
The Rising Tide of Racism in Football
This incident is the latest in a series of concerning events highlighting the persistent issue of racism in football. Similar incidents have recently occurred, including a Wolverhampton player suffering racist abuse on social media after a Premier League match.
What is UEFA’s Stance on Discrimination?
Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations outlines the framework for punishing both racist and anti-gay abuse, with the punishment framework being the same for both offenses.
FAQ
- What is the length of Prestianni’s suspension? Prestianni is provisionally suspended for one match, pending the outcome of the UEFA investigation.
- What has Benfica said about the suspension? Benfica regrets the suspension and will appeal the decision.
- What are the potential consequences for Prestianni if found guilty? He could face a 10-match ban from UEFA competitions.
- What did Vinícius Júnior allege happened? Vinícius Júnior alleged that Prestianni racially abused him during the match.
Pro Tip: Reporting incidents of racism is crucial. UEFA encourages players, officials, and fans to report any discriminatory behavior witnessed during matches.
Stay informed about this developing story and the broader fight against racism in football. Share your thoughts in the comments below and explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analysis.
