Benfica winger explains his side of the Vinicius row: ‘They suspended me without evidence’ | OneFootball

The Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid should have been remembered purely for what was at stake – a place in the round of 16.

Instead, the tie became overshadowed by a serious controversy involving Vinicius Jr. and Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni.

During the match, Vinicius accused Prestianni of directing a racist slur at him, specifically claiming he had been called a “monkey.” 

The allegation quickly escalated, with Kylian Mbappe also backing the Brazilian’s version of events. 

Despite the seriousness of the accusation, there was no concrete evidence presented publicly, yet the situation still had immediate consequences.

Prestianni, who denied the accusation from the outset, was suspended and did not feature in the second leg. 

Prestianni speaks again

Now, speaking during the international break, Prestianni addressed the situation in detail, offering his side of the story and the emotional toll it took on him.

He admitted the experience was difficult to process, especially given the nature of the claim.

Gianluca Prestianni has shared his side of the story. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I don’t know if I was paying that much attention to whether something was going to happen. 

“It hurt that they accused me of something I never did—that’s what hurt the most. 

“I’m very calm because everyone who knows me knows the kind of person I am, and that’s enough for me,” he said.

The winger also spoke about the frustration of being punished without what he believes was sufficient justification, while stressing that he is now trying to move forward.

“They suspended me without evidence, but it’s over now. 

“I thought about my mom, my dad, and my grandparents having to hear so many things that aren’t true and never happened. 

“It’s one thing for me—I’m a football player and I’m used to people talking—but it’s another thing for them,” he added.

In an attempt to clarify what was actually said during the on-field exchange, Prestianni explained that cultural differences may have played a role in how words were interpreted in the heat of the moment.

“For us Argentines, it’s a normal insult to say ‘cagón’ or ‘maricón’…,” noted the Benfica player, who, regarding the ‘monkey’ insult, stated that “it was something I didn’t say.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo