Sources: Prestianni told UEFA he called Vinícius Jr. anti-gay slur - ESPN

ESPN

by Alex Kirkland

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior has sparked a significant investigation by UEFA. During a Champions League playoff match between Real Madrid and Benfica, Vinícius accused Prestianni of racial and anti-gay slurs. This led to a 10-minute stoppage in play after Vinícius scored the game's only goal. Sources revealed that Prestianni allegedly used the Spanish anti-gay slur "m------," not the racial term "mono." Real Madrid sent all available evidence to UEFA, while Kylian Mbappé and other Benfica players corroborated hearing the abuse. The investigation is critical as it highlights issues of discrimination in football. UEFA's disciplinary regulations under Article 14 mandate severe consequences for such offenses, including suspensions of at least ten matches. The case has drawn widespread attention, with Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa urging accountability and calling for this to serve as a turning point against racial and homophobic abuse. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of discrimination in sports. It emphasizes the need for stringent enforcement of anti-discrimination policies and the importance of fostering inclusive environments. The case also highlights the role of players, coaches, and organizations in addressing such issues, ensuring that football remains a platform for equality and respect.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026