UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni for one match following an allegation of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior during their Champions League Round of 16 first leg in Lisbon last week.
The suspension, imposed by an inspector from UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Commission, relates to an alleged discriminatory slur targeting Vinicius. It is enacted under Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses “discriminatory behaviour of any kind.” As a result, Prestianni is ineligible for the second leg of the tie, scheduled at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium this week. UEFA confirmed the provisional measure remains in effect while its disciplinary proceedings continue.
The incident occurred during the match, which Real Madrid won 1-0 courtesy of a first-half goal from Vinicius. The Brazilian international subsequently reported the alleged racial abuse to match officials and UEFA. Benfica have not issued a public statement on the specific allegation, while Real Madrid has consistently supported Vinicius’s position.
This case falls under UEFA’s stringent anti-racism protocol, which mandates immediate provisional suspensions for serious allegations of discrimination to preserve the integrity of the competition and uphold its zero-tolerance policy. The provisional suspension is a precautionary step pending a full disciplinary hearing, where evidence will be reviewed and a final decision rendered. Potential sanctions for a proven offence can include extended match bans and fines.
The upcoming return leg, already significant in the competition’s context, will now proceed without Prestianni. The outcome of UEFA’s investigation will set a further precedent in European football’s ongoing efforts to eradicate racism from the sport. Both clubs await the final procedural outcome from UEFA’s disciplinary body.
