Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica player provisionally suspended by UEFA amid Vinicius Junior Champions League racism allegations

Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for Benfica's Champions League game against Real Madrid on Wednesday following allegations he racially abused Vinicius Junior.

The 20-year-old was banned for one match, while an investigation into alleged racism directed at the Real Madrid forward continues, which could lead to further punishment, UEFA said.

Prestianni denied making a racist slur, claiming Vinicius "misinterpreted what he thought he heard" at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.

Benfica, who last week said they stood by their player, said in a statement on Monday they "regret being deprived ‌of the player while the case is still under investigation and will appeal UEFA's decision".

Last week's Champions League knockout round play-off first leg was stopped for 11 minutes early in the second half, after the Brazilian forward told the referee he suffered racial abuse.

TV footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that ⁠Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur.

Cameras picked up the 25-year-old telling French referee Francois Letexier he had been targeted in a comment made to him by the Argentine winger.

Anti-racism protocol used

UEFA's anti-racism protocol was activated but no further action was taken during the match as there was no evidence against Prestianni.

The match was halted shortly after the away side went ahead thanks to a Vinicius goal, which he celebrated by the Benfica corner flag, upsetting local fans and players.

The forward was shown a yellow card after his celebration.

Both coaches, Benfica's Jose Mourinho and Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa, talked to Vinicius at one point.

Real's players threatened ⁠to leave the pitch ​as tensions rose, but the referee ​eventually allowed the match to resume. It finished 1-0 to Real.

Mourinho accused of 'gaslighting'

Mourinho, who was roundly criticised for his comments about the incident after the game, will not be at Tuesday's pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg in Madrid on Wednesday.

The Portuguese coach appeared to suggest Vinicius had brought any abuse upon himself with his celebration, and said that "a stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always".

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Anti-discriminatory organisation Kick It Out responded by accusing Mourinho of "gaslighting".

Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao will undertake media duties at the Bernabeu, the club said, without saying why Mourinho would be absent.

Mourinho will not be on the bench for the ‌second leg after receiving a red card for ​complaining in the first game.

(c) Sky News 2026: Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica player provisionally suspended by UEFA amid Vinicius Junior Champions Leag