UEFA has provisionally suspended Gianluca Prestianni for one match after allegations of racist abuse toward Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior.
Consequently, the Benfica winger is set to miss Wednesday’s decisive second leg Champions League knockout play-off tie in Madrid.
The sanction follows a complaint lodged during last week’s heated Champions League encounter in Lisbon. However, the ban remains temporary pending a full disciplinary investigation.
Uefa confirmed the suspension is based on sufficient initial evidence. It cited a “prima facie violation” while stressing that further punishment could follow.
The governing body added: “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.”
Prestianni has denied racially abusing the Brazilian star. Meanwhile, Benfica insist they will appeal despite believing it may have little immediate impact.
The club said it “regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation”. It added it would launch an appeal “even though the deadlines in question are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League play-off.”
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Last Tuesday’s first leg at the Estádio da Luz was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr alerted referee Francois Letexier before leaving the pitch with team-mates.
The disruption followed a stunning goal from the 25-year-old Brazilian. He was later booked for celebrating in front of Benfica supporters.
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Uefa moved rapidly once the allegation surfaced, with European football’s governing body opening proceedings within 16 hours.
Three working days later, an interim suspension was imposed as officials determined the available evidence justified immediate action.
Such a move may appear premature before a final ruling. However, precedent exists for decisive intervention in discrimination cases.
In 2021, Ondřej Kúdela received a provisional ban after Glen Kamara accused him of racist abuse. Much like Prestianni, he had covered his mouth during the exchange.
Uefa issued a one-game suspension before Slavia Prague faced Arsenal. Eight days later, the ban extended to 10 matches. Therefore, the latest decision shows consistency rather than haste as Uefa appears to signal zero tolerance when allegations carry weight.
Tags: Uefa, Benfica, Champions League, #UCL, Vinicius Jr, #HalaMadrid, Real Madrid, racist abuse, Santiago Bernabéu, Ondřej Kúdela, Glen Kamara, Gianluca Prestianni, Estádio da Luz.
