Gianluca Prestianni provisionally suspended by UEFA over alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA after allegedly racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last week’s Champions League knockout play-off first leg in Lisbon.

The European governing body confirmed it has opened formal disciplinary proceedings into what it described as potential “discriminatory behaviour” during the heated clash between Benfica and Real Madrid. Following a request from UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, Prestianni will miss the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu while the investigation continues.

Match halted after alleged comment

The incident occurred shortly after Vinicius Junior gave Real Madrid the lead. The Brazilian celebrated in front of Benfica supporters and was booked for his reaction. Moments later, he was confronted by Prestianni.

Television footage appeared to show the Benfica winger pulling his shirt over his mouth before speaking to Vinicius. The Madrid forward immediately approached referee Francois Letexier, prompting the official to activate FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms in front of his chest.

The match was halted for approximately 10 minutes as players, coaching staff and officials discussed the situation. Vinicius initially refused to continue before play eventually resumed. Real Madrid went on to secure a 1-0 victory, though there was a further late delay after objects were thrown from the stands as Vinicius prepared to take a corner.

UEFA investigation and potential sanction

UEFA moved swiftly, appointing an ethics inspector within 24 hours of the match. According to reports, the inspector has already interviewed relevant parties and submitted an interim report recommending a provisional one-match suspension.

Under UEFA regulations, discriminatory behaviour carries a minimum sanction of a 10-match ban if proven. While the current suspension is temporary and “without prejudice,” meaning Prestianni is entitled to a full and fair hearing, the case could result in a lengthy ban if the allegations are upheld.

Benfica have announced they will appeal the provisional suspension, although they acknowledge that the timing makes it unlikely to affect the upcoming second leg.

Prestianni has strongly denied the accusation, stating on social media that he “at no time” directed racist insults toward Vinicius and claiming the Real Madrid forward misunderstood what was said.

Mourinho under scrutiny

The controversy has also placed Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho in the spotlight. Mourinho, who was sent off during the first leg after receiving two yellow cards, will miss the return fixture in Madrid due to suspension.

He has opted not to address the media ahead of the second leg, with assistant João Tralhão taking on press duties instead. Mourinho drew criticism for comments made after the first leg in which he questioned Vinicius’ goal celebrations and referenced Benfica legend Eusebio in defence of the club’s history.

While Mourinho insisted he wanted to remain “independent” and not take sides, his remarks were widely interpreted as minimising the seriousness of the allegation.

Mbappé: “He doesn’t deserve to play”

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe claimed after the match that he heard the alleged remark and called for firm action.

Mbappé said the Benfica player repeated a racist slur multiple times while covering his mouth with his shirt and insisted such behaviour has no place in the Champions League.

He emphasised that the competition represents the pinnacle of club football and that players have a responsibility to set the right example for young fans around the world.

Vinicius’ ongoing fight against racism

Vinicius Junior has repeatedly spoken out about racist abuse during his career in Spain. In 2024, three Valencia supporters were jailed for racially abusing him during a LaLiga match — the first prison sentences of their kind in Spain for racism at a football game.

He has also been subjected to abuse in multiple stadiums, prompting temporary match stoppages and disciplinary sanctions against clubs and supporters. In a statement following the Benfica match, Vinicius described racists as “cowards” and criticised what he felt was an inadequately executed protocol.

The latest incident adds to a troubling pattern that has followed the Brazilian forward throughout his time in European football, even as authorities insist they are taking stronger measures to combat discrimination.

What happens next?

UEFA’s disciplinary body will now review the ethics inspector’s findings before reaching a final decision. If found guilty, Prestianni faces a significant suspension that could extend beyond the current Champions League campaign.

For now, he will miss the decisive second leg at the Bernabéu, where Benfica must overturn a 1-0 deficit to progress.

Beyond the immediate sporting consequences, the case once again raises urgent questions about racism in football, the effectiveness of anti-discrimination protocols, and whether European authorities are moving quickly and firmly enough to deter repeat incidents.

The spotlight will now be on UEFA’s final ruling — and on how football responds to yet another high-profile allegation involving one of the game’s most prominent players.