UEFA Provisionally Suspends Benfica's Prestianni for Alleged Racist Abuse Against Vinicius Jr

In a swift move to address rising tensions, UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica's 20-year-old Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. during the first leg of their Champions League play-off. The suspension, imposed 'without prejudice' while an investigation continues, means Prestianni will sit out the crucial second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, where Madrid hold a 1-0 lead from the Lisbon encounter.

The incident occurred last week when the match in Lisbon was halted for approximately eight minutes after Vinicius Jr., 25, claimed Prestianni directed racist abuse at him following the Brazilian's second-half goal. Referee Francois Letexier activated FIFA's racial abuse protocol by crossing his wrists above his head after consulting with Vinicius. UEFA launched an investigation the following day, noting that a proven offence could result in a minimum 10-game ban.

Prestianni has vehemently denied the allegations, posting on Instagram: "At no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard." Benfica has backed their player, stating in a Monday release: "The club regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation and will appeal this UEFA decision, even though the deadlines in question are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League play-off." The club also reaffirmed its "unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism or discrimination," highlighting its history with figures like Eusebio.

Real Madrid has actively supported Vinicius Jr., with sources indicating that several players, including the forward himself, have provided signed statements to UEFA. The club's statement emphasized: "Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match. Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global football community. Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society."

Post-match reactions intensified the controversy. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé claimed he heard Prestianni repeat a racial slur five times. Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who received a red card unrelated to the incident and will miss the second leg, suggested Vinicius incited the situation, referencing the club's Black legend Eusebio in a comment widely criticized as 'gaslighting' by anti-racism group Kick It Out. Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany called Mourinho's remarks "a huge mistake." Mourinho's assistant, Joao Tralhao, is set to handle Tuesday's press conference.

This provisional suspension echoes a 2021 case where Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela was banned for one match before receiving a 10-game suspension for alleged abuse against Rangers' Glen Kamara. Analysts suggest the decision reduces tension ahead of the Bernabéu clash, potentially preventing further escalation between players, staff, and fans. Benfica's initial social media response, which questioned the claims, has softened in tone.

Vinicius Jr. has endured repeated racial abuse, including prison sentences for fans last May and a banana thrown at him earlier this month. La Liga is investigating alleged chants of "Vinicius, die" from Osasuna fans during his recent match.