Benfica player provisionally suspended by UEFA for racism against Vinicius Junior
By Sky News, February 23, 2026Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for Benfica’s Champions League game against Real Madrid on Wednesday following allegations he racially abused Vinicius Junior.
The 20-year-old was banned for one match, while an investigation into alleged racism directed at the Real Madrid forward continues, which could lead to further punishment, UEFA said.
Benfica, who last week said they stood by their player, said in a statement on Monday that they “regret being deprived of the player while the case is still under investigation and will appeal UEFA’s decision”.
Last week’s Champions League knockout round play-off first leg at the Estadio da Luz in Portugal was stopped for 11 minutes early in the second half, after the Brazilian forward told the referee he suffered racial abuse.
TV footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur.
Cameras captured the 25-year-old telling French referee Francois Letexier that he had been targeted after the Argentine made a comment to him.
Prestianni had denied making a racist slur, claiming the Madrid player “misinterpreted what he thought he heard”.
Real lead the tie 1-0 ahead of the second leg in the Spanish capital thanks to Vinicius’ goal, which he celebrated by the Benfica corner flag, upsetting local fans and players.
After being confronted by Prestianni, Vinícius accused the Argentine player of calling him “monkey.”
Anti-racism protocol used
UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was activated, but no further action was taken during the match as there was no evidence against Prestianni.
The Madrid forward was shown a yellow card after his celebration.
Both coaches, Benfica’s Jose Mourinho and Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa, talked to Vinicius at one point.
Real’s players threatened to leave the pitch as tensions rose, but the referee eventually allowed the match to resume.
Mourinho accused of ‘gaslighting.’
Mourinho, who was roundly criticised for his comments about the incident after the game, will not speak to reporters before the match.
The Portuguese coach appeared to suggest Vinicius had brought any abuse upon himself with his celebration, and said that “a stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.”
Anti-discriminatory organisation Kick It Out responded by accusing Mourinho of “gaslighting”.
Benfica’s assistant coach Joao Tralhao will undertake media duties at the Bernabeu, the club said, without saying why Mourinho would be absent.
Mourinho will not be on the bench for the second leg after receiving a red card for complaining in the first game.
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