Gianluca Prestianni provisionally suspended for Benfica's second leg tie with Real Madrid - ESPN

ESPN

by ESPN

February 23, 2026

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UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Real Madrid due to allegations of racist language directed at Vinícius Júnior during the first leg. The decision follows an investigation into the incident, where Prestianni is accused of making a discriminatory remark after Vinícius celebrated a goal in Madrid’s 1-0 victory. Kylian Mbappé, a Real Madrid teammate of Vinícius, also reported hearing the abuse. Although Prestianni admitted to using an anti-gay slur instead of a racist one, UEFA deemed this sufficient for a provisional suspension under its discriminatory behavior regulations. He will miss the second leg tie and could face a longer ban if found guilty. The incident occurred during the emotionally charged first leg match at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Vinícius Júnior, who has been a target of racial abuse throughout his career, celebrated his goal by taunting Benfica’s corner flag—a common practice among players. However, this celebration reportedly triggered frustration among Benfica players, including Prestianni, who allegedly responded with offensive language. UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector requested an interim report, leading to the suspension without prejudice to further investigation. This decision highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football and underscores the importance of accountability in elite competitions. While Benfica expressed regret over losing Prestianni during the investigation, they also emphasized their commitment to combating discrimination through statements from the club and its foundation. The suspension not only impacts Benfica’s Champions League campaign but also sets a precedent for addressing racial abuse in sports. Fans and stakeholders closely follow such cases, as they reflect broader efforts to ensure inclusivity and fairness in football. The case also raises questions about the potential consequences of Prestianni’s actions beyond this season. A guilty verdict could lead to a lengthy ban under UEFA’s disciplinary code, significantly affecting his career and Benfica’s prospects in the competition. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s support for Vinícius, including from teammate Mbappé, has drawn attention to the challenges faced by players of color in football. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance against discrimination and the importance of supporting victims of abuse within the sport. For readers interested in sports, this story illustrates how off-field incidents can influence on-field outcomes and shape perceptions of clubs and

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026