Prestianni handed provisional one-match ban following racism allegations | OneFootball

Gianluca Prestianni has been given a provisional one-match suspension after allegations that he used racist language towards Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius reported to the referee that he had been subjected to racist abuse by the Argentine during their Champions League play-off first leg.

It means Prestianni will miss the second leg between the two sides, with Real holding a 1-0 lead going into the game.

UEFA is still investigating the incident, meaning Prestianni could yet receive further punishment.

“Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Playoff match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, and upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) related to a discriminatory behaviour,” UEFA said in a statement.

“This is without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the UEFA disciplinary bodies. Further information about this matter will be made available in due course.”