Benfica star accused of Vinicius Jr racism goes on furious rant at UEFA in now-deleted post
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni launched a furious attack on UEFA via social media this afternoon after the governing body dismissed the Portuguese club’s appeal against his provisional suspension.
The Argentine, who will miss tonight’s Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg against Real Madrid, posted on X: “Punching someone off the ball is allowed, it’s seen, and there’s no sanction.
“Punishing without proof is allowed, it’s seen. They don’t even try to hide it with Real anymore. They’re shameful.”
The 20-year-old subsequently deleted the post, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
Gianluca Prestianni hid his face while speaking with Vinicius Jr in Benfica’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid | GETTY
The provisional one-match ban stems from allegations made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, who claimed Prestianni directed racist abuse towards him shortly after netting the sole goal in last week’s first leg encounter in Lisbon.
Prestianni has firmly denied the accusation.
UEFA imposed the suspension on Monday, with the governing body confirming on Wednesday afternoon that Benfica’s challenge had failed.
“Mr Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible,” UEFA stated.
Should the ban be upheld following a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector, the Argentine faces a minimum ten-match suspension.
Benfica have disputed allegations of racist abuse made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr against their player Gianluca Prestianni, releasing pitchside footage in the early hours of Wednesday morning that they claim exonerates the Argentinian | X
Benfica president Rui Costa mounted a robust defence of the young winger earlier this week, maintaining that Prestianni is “anything but racist”.
“I’m not on the pitch to know what was said or not said, but as you can imagine, in a situation like that, a lot is said,” Costa remarked.
“But we believe in our player’s word, because more than that, we know the players we have at home. Prestianni is being crucified as a racist person, and I can guarantee that he is anything but racist, and that is why we have such confidence in him as a player.”
Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni is alleged to have racially abused Vinicius Jr last week | GETTY
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa used his pre-match press conference on Tuesday to urge UEFA to seize the moment in its battle against discrimination.
“We are facing a great opportunity to make a significant step forward in the fight against racism,” Arbeloa declared.
“UEFA has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, and now they have the opportunity not to leave it as just a slogan or a nice banner before matches. I hope they seize this opportunity.”
The Spaniard also praised Vinicius Jr’s resilience, describing the Brazilian as “a fighter” who has consistently shown “tremendous personality” when confronting such situations.
