The Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid last Tuesday became one of the season’s most talked-about fixtures, not just for the 1-0 scoreline, but for an on-field incident that has captured global attention.
The controversy began when Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. scored, prompting a celebration that led to a heated exchange with Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. What followed quickly escalated beyond normal match tensions, prompting UEFA to launch a formal investigation into alleged discriminatory behavior.
According to reports, Vinícius Jr. accused Prestianni of using a racial slur during their confrontation, halting the game for nearly 10 minutes under UEFA’s anti-racism protocols. Video footage of the incident offered limited clarity, and conflicting accounts from the players made the situation more complex.
Prestianni has since provided testimony to UEFA, reportedly admitting to using an anti-gay slur in Spanish – specifically “m*****n” – but firmly denying any racially motivated language.
What Prestianni told UEFA and the club reactions
Prestianni‘s account highlights a critical distinction. While the language he reportedly used does not constitute racial abuse, it still qualifies as discriminatory behavior under UEFA’s regulations, which prohibit any conduct targeting sexual orientation, race, or other protected characteristics.
UEFA continues to gather evidence, including statements from players, officials, and referees, as well as video footage, before determining whether sanctions are warranted.
The fallout has extended far beyond the pitch. Real Madrid submitted comprehensive documentation to UEFA, expressing full support for Vinícius Jr. and emphasizing their commitment to fighting discrimination in all forms. The club thanked the wider football community for backing their star forward and reinforced its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all players.
Meanwhile, Benfica has shown support for Prestianni, highlighting that evidence may not conclusively indicate racist intent and describing some allegations as part of a “defamation campaign.” The club confirmed that Prestianni would travel for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, though whether he will start remains undecided.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has also been active, urging UEFA to impose strict penalties if any racist behavior is confirmed and reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination.
Brazilian authorities emphasized the importance of protecting players from abuse, both at the club and international level, while calling for transparency and accountability from European football governing bodies.
As UEFA continues its disciplinary review, the incident shows the heightened scrutiny applied to discriminatory conduct in European competitions. For now, both Vinícius Jr. and Prestianni maintain their versions of events, leaving the football world waiting for UEFA’s final ruling on this high-profile and sensitive matter.
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