Vinicius-Prestianni case: Prestianni denies racism as UEFA probe continues | OneFootball

Gianluca Prestianni continues to deny using a racist insult towards Vinicius during Benfica’s 0-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. According to ESPN, the Argentine told UEFA he had used a homophobic slur instead and submitted evidence to that effect.

UEFA opened an investigation after the flashpoint in the first leg. Referee François Letexier halted the game for several minutes.

Whatever the findings, if insults are established, the 20-year-old winger faces a heavy punishment from UEFA.

UEFA regulations state that anyone who violates human dignity for any reason, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, sex or sexual orientation, faces a minimum 10-match suspension, a fixed-term ban, or another appropriate sanction.

The affair has prompted numerous responses across the football world.

Source: L'Équipe