UEFA hands provisional one-match ban to Prestianni over Vinícius incident | OneFootball

UEFA confirmed a provisional one-match suspension for Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni for an alleged breach of Article 14 on discriminatory conduct, ruling him out of Wednesday’s Champions League round of 32 second leg at Real Madrid.

After Vinícius scored and celebrated, the Argentine confronted him, covering his mouth with his shirt. Kylian Mbappé alleged he used a racist slur five times. Vinícius told the referee, the anti-racism protocol halted play for 10 minutes, then Madrid players chose to continue.

UEFA’s appointed inspector is reviewing the match delegate’s reports and has taken statements from Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior. Witnesses nearby, including Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga, have also provided evidence.

If a racist insult is proven, Prestianni could face severe punishment, with Article 14 stipulating a minimum 10-match suspension or a time-based ban, alongside other possible measures. The Argentine is said to have claimed his remark was homophobic rather than racist, contrary to the Madrid players’ account.

The decision is without prejudice to any later ruling, with further updates to follow. Benfica has been notified, will appeal, and lamented losing the player while the process continues, though any appeal is unlikely to affect Wednesday’s game. The club reiterated its opposition to racism and discrimination.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo