Benficas Prestianni banned for six games over verbal abuse of Vinicius

UEFA Announces Suspension for Gianluca Prestianni

Gianluca Prestianni, an Argentine winger for Benfica, has been suspended for six matches by UEFA following discriminatory conduct during a Champions League match against Real Madrid in February. The suspension includes two additional matches that will be served under a probationary period of two years.

Prestianni was accused of directing a homophobic slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. during the first leg of their playoff match, which Real Madrid won 1-0. Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt before making comments that were interpreted as a racial slur by Vinicius and nearby teammates.

Prestianni had denied the accusation, stating that Vinicius had misheard him. However, UEFA has upheld the suspension, which includes one match that was already served during the second leg of the playoff on February 25.

Benfica has confirmed that Prestianni will serve the remaining two matches under UEFA or in FIFA-recognized Argentina national team matches. The club stated that they had been notified about the sanction imposed on Prestianni.

UEFA has also announced plans to request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide.

Source: Al Jazeera