UEFA Bans Benfica's Prestianni for Six Matches After Incident

UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban after an incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. during a Champions League knockout match on February 15 at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The match was temporarily halted when Vinícius Jr. accused the 20-year-old Prestianni of racial abuse.

Prestianni denied the allegations, claiming his words were misinterpreted. However, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni later revealed that Prestianni admitted to making a direct homophobic remark towards the Brazilian forward.

As a result, UEFA ruled on the case, issuing a six-match suspension, which includes two matches to be served immediately and three additional matches suspended over a two-year period. Prestianni has already completed part of the ban.

The incident escalated when Vinícius approached referee Françoise Letexier during the game, prompting a response that included a gesture indicating alleged racist abuse. Vinícius Jr. condemned racism on social media, while Benfica defended Prestianni, and head coach José Mourinho warned of future risks regarding discriminatory conduct.