UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for Wednesday’s Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Real Madrid following allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last week’s first leg on February 17, 2026.
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Incident Details and Match Information
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body announced the decision on February 23, confirming a provisional one-match suspension pending completion of a full investigation. The suspension comes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse to referee François Letexier during the 1-0 Madrid victory in Lisbon, which triggered FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and halted the match for approximately 10 minutes.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | February 17, 2026 (First Leg) |
| Match Venue | Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal |
| Alleged Victim | Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) |
| Alleged Offender | Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) |
| Player Age | 20 years old |
| Incident Timing | 50th minute (after Vinicius scored) |
| Referee | François Letexier |
| Match Stoppage Duration | Approximately 10 minutes |
| First Leg Result | Real Madrid 1-0 Benfica |
| Second Leg Date | February 25, 2026 (Santiago Bernabéu) |
| Prestianni’s Position | Winger |
| Shirt Covering Method | Covered mouth with jersey while speaking |
UEFA Investigation and Disciplinary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector |
| Provisional Ban Duration | One match (second leg) |
| Potential Minimum Ban | 10 matches if found guilty |
| UEFA Article Violated | Article 14 (Discriminatory Behaviour) |
| Disciplinary Body | UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) |
| Investigation Timeline | Complete investigation ongoing |
| Appeal Status | Benfica planning to appeal provisional suspension |
| Appeal Likelihood | Unlikely to affect second leg due to timing |
The Alleged Incident
The incident occurred in the 50th minute immediately after Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal. Celebrating enthusiastically at the corner flag in front of Benfica supporters, Vinicius displayed emotional exuberance that infuriated Benfica fans, who threw bottles and objects toward Madrid players.
Prestianni confronted Vinicius and covered his mouth with his jersey while saying something to the Brazilian forward. Vinicius immediately ran to referee François Letexier, reporting that he had been racially abused. Letexier responded by crossing his arms—the FIFA anti-racism protocol gesture—and halted play for approximately 10 minutes while the incident was documented.
Conflicting Accounts
Prestianni has vehemently denied making racist comments, stating on Instagram: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone.”
However, according to ESPN sources, Prestianni admitted to UEFA that he called Vinicius an anti-gay slur in Spanish (“m——“) rather than a racist insult. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé contradicted this account, claiming he heard Prestianni use the word “mono” (monkey) five times. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold called the incident “a disgrace to football.”
Benfica’s Response and Mourinho Controversy
Benfica has adamantly supported Prestianni, claiming he has been subjected to a “defamation campaign.” The club released statements emphasizing their commitment to equality and respect, noting that Prestiário’s conduct while serving Benfica has always been guided by respect.
Manager José Mourinho faced substantial criticism for his response to the incident. During post-match comments, Mourinho appeared to justify Prestianni’s behavior by questioning Vinicius’ celebration style: “When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.”
Potential Penalties and Investigation Conclusions
If UEFA concludes that Prestianni engaged in racial abuse or discriminatory behavior, Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations mandates a minimum 10-match suspension. The provisional one-match suspension is merely precautionary while the full investigation concludes.
The investigation involves detailed examination of match footage, witness statements from both teams, and statements from Prestianni himself. Benfica has indicated they will appeal the provisional suspension, though the short timeframe means the appeal is unlikely to affect Wednesday’s second leg.
Real Madrid’s Position and Broader Implications
Real Madrid has submitted comprehensive evidence to UEFA including footage, player statements, and additional documentation supporting Vinicius’ allegations. The club has emphasized their commitment to eradicating racism from football.
Kick It Out, the anti-racism organization in English football, released statements criticizing Mourinho’s response, accusing him of “gaslighting” by questioning Vinicius’ celebration rather than condemning the alleged abuse.
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FAQs
When is Prestianni’s provisional suspension effective?
Prestianni’s provisional one-match suspension is effective for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, preventing him from playing in Benfica’s Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu.
What exactly did Prestianni allegedly say to Vinicius?
Accounts vary. Prestianni claims Vinicius misunderstood; ESPN sources say Prestianni admitted using an anti-gay slur; Mbappé claims Prestianni used “mono” (monkey). The full investigation will determine what was actually said.
Can Benfica appeal the provisional suspension?
Yes, Benfica stated they will appeal the provisional suspension, though UEFA’s statement indicated appeal deadlines make it unlikely to affect the second leg on February 25.
What is the maximum punishment if Prestianni is found guilty?
If UEFA concludes Prestianni engaged in racial abuse, Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations mandates a minimum 10-match suspension, though penalties could extend beyond this minimum.
How long is the full UEFA investigation expected to take?
UEFA has not specified a timeline for completing the investigation. The provisional suspension allows them to proceed thoroughly without time pressure from match schedules.
