UEFA Bans Benfica’s Prestianni for Six Games Over Vinicius Jr Incident
UEFA has handed Benfica winger, Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban following its investigation into an incident involving Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Jr during their Champions League knockout playoff first leg in Lisbon back in February.
The European governing body ruled that the 20-year-old Argentine was guilty of discriminatory conduct, specifically classified as homophobic abuse directed at the Brazilian star.
The incident brought the match to a standstill for approximately 10 minutes after Vinicius left the pitch and refused to return following the confrontation with Prestianni.
The game, which Real Madrid won 1-0, had been suspended shortly after Vinicius opened the scoring early in the second half. Madrid went on to advance after winning the second leg 2-1.
Of the six-match suspension, three are suspended for a two-year probationary period, meaning Prestianni effectively faces two more matches on the sidelines. He had already served a one-match provisional suspension during the second leg of the playoff tie in February, which counts toward the overall ban.
Benfica confirmed they had been notified of the sanction, adding that one of the remaining two active bans had already been served.
The outcome of the disciplinary process drew attention partly because Prestianni had denied making a racist comment, insisting Vinicius misheard him. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni later said Prestianni told him he had used a homophobic rather than a racist slur, an account that ultimately aligned with UEFA’s findings after their ethics and disciplinary investigation concluded.
UEFA also confirmed they would request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide, which would see the ban apply to Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context.
The case has also triggered broader conversations about player conduct at the highest level, with football’s rule-making body IFAB set to meet in Canada next week to discuss potential law changes, including how players should be penalised if they cover their mouths when addressing an opponent.
