Tensions escalated following the first leg of the Champions League play-offs between Benfica and Real Madrid (0-1). After Vinicius Junior’s goal, the Brazilian accused Gianluca Prestianni of directing racist insults at him, allegations that the Argentine player firmly denies.
After being alerted to the matter, UEFA opened an investigation and decided to provisionally suspend the Benfica player for one interclub competition match. He will therefore miss the return leg in Madrid on Wednesday evening (9 p.m.).
UEFA Investigation and Provisional Suspension Decision
In its statement, the European governing body specified: “Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate the allegations of discriminatory conduct, […] the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided today (Monday) to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA interclub competition match.” UEFA added that this interim measure will not influence the final decision to be issued at the conclusion of the proceedings.
For its part, Benfica released a statement in English expressing its “unwavering support for the version of events presented by the player.” The club said it “regrets being deprived of the player while the procedure is still under investigation” and announced its intention to appeal, while reaffirming its commitment to combating all forms of discrimination.
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