Benfica Player Who Allegedly Racially Abused Vini Jr to Miss Bernabeu Game Due to UEFA Suspension

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni from this week’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid following allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior during the first leg.

European football’s governing body confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that its disciplinary body had “decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.” The investigation into the alleged incident remains ongoing.

As a result, Prestianni will miss Wednesday’s decisive clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Benfica are seeking to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and secure a place in the last 16. Vinicius scored the only goal of that encounter and later reported the alleged racist abuse to the referee following his celebration. The match was halted for approximately 10 minutes as officials addressed the complaint.

UEFA emphasized that the one-match suspension is “without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.” Should Prestianni, 20, be found guilty of racially abusing the Real Madrid forward, he faces a minimum 10-match ban under UEFA regulations.

Prestianni has denied the allegations, maintaining that he did not racially insult Vinicius. Television footage showed the Argentine youngster arguing with the Brazilian winger while covering his mouth with his shirt, a detail that has added to the scrutiny surrounding the incident.

The controversy has drawn strong reactions from the Real Madrid camp.

Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described the alleged abuse as a “disgrace to football,” while striker Kylian Mbappé said Prestianni “doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League any more” if the claims are proven.

Benfica coach José Mourinho, who is himself suspended for the return leg, stirred further debate by criticizing Vinicius’ exuberant celebration and insisting his club could not be racist because their greatest icon, Eusébio, was Black.