LISBON, Portugal – The fallout from the Champions League playoff match between Benfica and Real Madrid continues, with Gianluca Prestianni at the center of a swirling controversy. Accusations of racist abuse leveled against the Benfica winger by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior have prompted a UEFA investigation, and Prestianni has now claimed he used a homophobic slur, rather than a racial one, during the heated encounter.
The incident occurred during the second half of the match at the Estadio da Luz on , after Vinícius Júnior scored the game’s only goal. Prestianni was seen covering his mouth while speaking to Vinícius, prompting the Brazilian forward to alert the referee, François Letexier, and leading to a ten-minute stoppage in play.
A Shift in Allegations
Initially, Vinícius Júnior accused Prestianni of racially abusing him. However, Prestianni has since provided evidence to UEFA stating he called Vinícius Júnior “faggot” in Spanish, rather than the racial slur “mono” (Spanish for monkey). According to sources, Prestianni claims he used the term not as a homophobic attack, but to characterize Vinícius as a “crybaby.”
This distinction, however, does not lessen the severity of the potential disciplinary action. UEFA’s regulations stipulate similar sanctions for both racist and anti-gay abuse, potentially including a suspension of at least ten games.
Internal Reassurance and External Scrutiny
Amidst the ongoing investigation, Prestianni reportedly addressed his Benfica teammates on during a recovery training session. He apologized for the commotion caused by the incident but reaffirmed his innocence, expressing his desire to be included in the squad for upcoming matches. He reportedly told his teammates he was “very offended” by Vinícius’s accusations.
Prestianni missed Benfica’s recent league game against Aves SAD, but was present in a VIP box, receiving support from fans. The UEFA investigation is ongoing, and a decision will determine whether Prestianni is cleared to play or faces a ban.
Conflicting Accounts and Witness Testimony
The situation has been further complicated by conflicting accounts. Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s forward, publicly stated he heard Prestianni racially abuse Vinícius Júnior on five separate occasions. This claim has added fuel to the fire and intensified calls for severe punishment.
Real Madrid has submitted a dossier of evidence to UEFA, supporting Vinícius Júnior’s allegations. Benfica, meanwhile, has contested the accusations, and the two clubs have engaged in a parallel battle alongside their Champions League play-off tie.
Prestianni’s Testimony and the Path Forward
Sources close to Prestianni revealed to ESPN that the 20-year-old Argentine has testified to UEFA, detailing his version of events. He maintains he never used the word “monkey” as reported by Vinícius Júnior. The testimony aligns with a conversation Prestianni reportedly had with Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, and is supported by a video circulating on social media.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against racism and homophobia in football. Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has called for Prestianni to face punishment, hoping the case will serve as a “turning point” in the fight against abuse in the sport.
The outcome of the UEFA investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for Prestianni’s career and could set a precedent for future cases of alleged abuse in European football. The return leg of the Champions League play-off between Benfica and Real Madrid is scheduled for at the Bernabéu, adding further pressure to resolve the situation swiftly.
The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by players and clubs in addressing instances of discrimination, and the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.
