UEFA have suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for discriminatory conduct after an investigation into an incident involving Actual Madrid star Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr and Gianluca Prestianni. (Picture: Getty Photos)
UEFA have handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a six-match suspension for discriminatory behaviour after he was accused of racially abusing Actual Madrid ahead Vinicius Jr. The incident happened through the first leg of the Champions League play-off conflict between the 2 golf equipment in Lisbon on February 17. Vinicius Jr claimed that Prestianni had directed a racial slur at him following his opening purpose.
UEFA launched an investigation and subsequently charged the participant with homophobic conduct. The participant will serve a two-match ban, having already been suspended for the second leg, with three further matches suspended for 2 years. A press release from UEFA learn: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings have been opened towards the SL Benfica participant Gianluca Prestianni for a possible discriminatory conduct.
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“The UEFA Management, Ethics and Disciplinary Physique (CEDB) has taken the next resolution: To droop SL Benfica participant Gianluca Prestianni for a complete of six (6) UEFA membership and/or consultant nationwide group official matches for which he would in any other case be eligible, for discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct.”
“The suspension for 3 (3) of those matches is topic to a probationary interval of two (2) years, ranging from the date of the current resolution.
“This resolution (i.e. the six-match suspension) consists of the one-match provisional suspension served by the participant throughout UEFA Champions League 2025/26 knock-out play-off match performed on 25 February 2026 between Actual Madrid CF and SL Benfica.
“To request FIFA to increase worldwide the above-mentioned suspension.”
Vinicius Junior complained to Jose Mourinho. (Picture: Getty Photos)
Prestianni was banned for the second leg of Benfica’s play-off with Actual Madrid, and the participant voiced his disappointment on the time.
“I’ve by no means been racist, and I by no means will likely be. What damage me essentially the most was to be accused of one thing I by no means did,” he mentioned.
“It was one thing I did not say, and so they punished me with out proof.”
Benfica, with out the winger, misplaced 2-1 and 3-1 on combination.
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“I used to be very damage that I could not play the return leg,” he added. “But it surely’s over.
“I am very grateful to my membership, which believed in me and supported me in each means.
“Each the membership and my teammates that confirmed me that [support] behind closed doorways. [Benfica coach Jose] Mourinho is a superb individual. I spoke with him and my teammates to make clear issues.
“I am calm that those that know me know what kind of individual I’m and that is sufficient for me.”
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