Benfica's Prestianni suspended over alleged racist abuse towards Vinicius Jr
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UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match after he allegedly made a racist comment to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior (Brazilian Portuguese: [viˈni.sjuz ʒoˈzɛ pajˈʃɐ̃w̃ dʒi oliˈvej.ɾɐ ˈʒu.njoʁ]; born 12 July 2000), commonly known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazil national t...
The incident highlights the ongoing problem of racism in football and the importance of UEFA's anti-racism protocols. It also shows how quickly a single event can lead to disciplinary action and impact a high-profile Champions League tie.
Context & Background
Incident occurred during the first leg of the Champions League play‑off between Benfica and Real Madrid
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was alleged to have made a racist comment to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr
UEFA provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match while investigating the claim
Previous incidents of racism against Vinicius Jr in Spain and Portugal have raised concerns
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho publicly defended his player and criticized the handling of the situation
What Happens Next
UEFA will complete its investigation and decide on any further sanctions against Prestianni or Benfica. The second leg will proceed with Benfica playing without the suspended winger, and the outcome of the tie will determine whether Real Madrid advances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Prestianni?
He is provisionally suspended for one match pending the outcome of UEFA's investigation.
Will the second leg be played?
Yes, the match will take place but Benfica will not field Prestianni.
How does UEFA handle racism allegations?
UEFA investigates, applies disciplinary measures, and enforces anti-racism protocols during matches.
What can fans do to prevent racism?
Report incidents to authorities, support anti-racism campaigns, and promote respectful behaviour in stadiums.
Original Source
Breaking Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica winger provisionally suspended by UEFA after allegedly racially abusing Vinicius Junior Real Madrid's Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to play on following an alleged racist comment made to him by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni Monday 23 February 2026 15:11, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol reacts to the news that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni will be suspended for their Champions League second leg against Real Madrid UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match after he allegedly made a racist comment to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. UEFA have opened an investigation into allegations of "discriminatory behaviour" during Real's Champions League knockout play-off first leg and, upon the request of UEFA's Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, Prestianni will miss the second leg while the investigation is ongoing. Vinicius Jr initially refused to continue last Tuesday after the incident with Prestianni, who has denied the allegations. The Real forward had just given his side the lead - after which he celebrated in front of the Benfica fans, for which he was booked - when he was confronted by Prestianni, who pulled his shirt up over his mouth before saying something to the Madrid forward. Vinicius Jr ran to speak to match referee Francois Letexier, who immediately stopped the game. The referee responded by crossing his arms in front of his face, activating FIFA's anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopping the match. Mourinho to avoid media before second leg Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jose Mourinho will not speak to the media ahead of Benfica's Champions League trip to Real Madrid after he was criticised for his response to the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior last week Sky Sports News understands Benfica mana...
