GIANLUCA PRESTIANNI faces a massive 10-match ban if he is found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior.
The midfielder is alleged to have made a racist comment towards the Real Madrid winger during their clash on Tuesday.
Gianluca Prestianni faces a 10-match ban if found guilty of racismCredit: Alamy
The 20-year-old was accused of racially abusing Vinicius Junior on TuesdayCredit: Getty
Prestianni appeared to say something while covering his mouth, but what he said is unknownCredit: X / SLBenfica
The pair had a confrontation after Vinicius celebrated his spectacular winner in front of the Benfica fans, in which Prestianni can be seen covering his mouth and appearing to say something to his opponent.
It is not known what was said, but Vinicius immediately reacted and to referee Francois Letexier, who initiated ‘s racism protocol and suspended the game for almost 10 minutes.
Now , which could carry a significant ban if Prestianni is found guilty.
Under rules introduced in 2013 by then-Uefa general secretary , there is a mandatory minimum 10-game ban if evidence of racism is found against a player.
In theory this ban could be even longer if deemed appropriate, but 10 games is the minimum term that a guilty verdict would carry.
Prestianni has denied the accusations of racism, releasing a statement that read: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.
“I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from players.”
Benfica supported the 20-year-old, to their X account, captioned: “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard.”
The club then doubled down on this support in a press release, stating: “Sport Lisboa e Benfica views with a spirit of complete collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarity the steps announced today by UEFA, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid.”
“The club reaffirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, which align with the core values of its foundation and which have Eusébio as their greatest symbol.
vinicius Jr immediately reported an allegation of racism to the refereeCredit: Amazon Prime
ref Francois Letexier then initiated Uefa’s racism protocolCredit: Amazon Prime
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct while playing for the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions, and the principles that define Benfica’s identity. The club regrets the defamation campaign to which the player has been subjected.”
Even Benfica boss , choosing not to take a side in regard to the allegations, but highlighting Vinicius’ decision to celebrate in front of the home fans as “disrespectful.”
He said: “It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately not just happy to score astonishing goal.
“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way. I believe so (he incited the crowd). Then the words that they exchange Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius I want to be an independent.
“I saw two completely different things. I want to be independent, and I don’t comment about it. I told him [Vinicius Jr] exactly that. I told him, ‘when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back’.
“When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. If in his mind there was something in relation to that, this in Benfica.
“They [Vinicius Jr and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent. There is something wrong as it happens in every stadium where Vinicius plays, always something happens…”
Vini was visibly affected while sitting on the bench during a suspension of playCredit: Amazon Prime
Prestianni, Benfica and Jose Mourinho have all commented on the accusationsCredit: Amazon Prime
has to his Instagram account blasting the situation.
He wrote: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are.
“But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life.
“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
“I don’t like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Vinicius’ team-mate
He told Amazon Prime: “I think what has happened tonight is a disgrace to and overshadowed the performance as well after an amazing goal.
“Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace. No place for it in football or society. It is disgusting.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
