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Gianluca Prestianni confronted Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid forward scored the winning goal in the Champions League knockout playoff first leg. The match took place on February 17, 2026, at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory.
Vinicius Junior reported to referee Francois Letexier that Prestianni directed a racist slur at him. Television footage captured Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt before speaking. Vinicius accused Prestianni of calling him “monkey.”
Consequently, officials activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol. The game halted for 11 minutes early in the second half. Real Madrid players threatened to leave the pitch amid rising tensions.
However, the match resumed without immediate action against Prestianni due to lack of evidence. Vinicius received a yellow card for his goal celebration near the Benfica corner flag.
Allegations and Denials Emerge
Vinicius Junior later posted on social media about the incident. He stated, “Racists are, above all, cowards.”
Meanwhile, teammate Kylian Mbappe claimed he heard the abuse. Mbappe confronted Prestianni during the confrontation.
Prestianni denied using racist language. He claimed Vinicius “misinterpreted what he thought he heard.” Sources indicated Prestianni admitted to UEFA that he used an anti-gay slur instead.
Additionally, Prestianni insisted to teammates that he made no racist comment. He expressed a desire to play in the return leg at the Bernabeu.
UEFA Imposes Provisional Suspension
UEFA appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the allegations. The probe focused on discriminatory behavior under Article 14 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations.On February 23, 2026, UEFA provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match. The decision followed an interim report from the inspector.
UEFA stated, “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour.”
This suspension meant Prestianni missed the second leg against Real Madrid on February 25, 2026. A guilty finding could result in a ban of up to 10 games.
Benfica Responds and Appeals
Benfica issued a statement after notification of the suspension. The club reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism and discrimination.Benfica said, “The club regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation and will appeal this UEFA decision, even though the deadlines in question are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League playoff.”
Furthermore, Benfica planned to include Prestianni in the travel squad to Madrid. This move anticipated a possible successful appeal.Coaches Weigh InBenfica coach Jose Mourinho faced criticism for his post-match comments. He suggested, “A stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.”
Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out accused Mourinho of gaslighting. Mourinho received a red card during the first leg and missed the bench for the return match.Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa supported Vinicius. He described Vinicius as “sad and indignant” over the incident. Arbeloa called it “a racist act that has no place in sport or society.”
Prestianni Considers Legal ActionReports indicated Prestianni planned to file a complaint against Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The action targeted UEFA, FIFA, and Portuguese courts on penal grounds.
El Chiringuito TV reported this development as an exclusive. Prestianni’s agent, Gaston Fernandez, denied earlier statements attributed to the player.
