Soccer Sport

Benfica’s Prestianni admits anti-gay slur in Vinicius Jr investigation

Editorial Team
/ 2 min read
Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior on the pitch during the Champions League match

Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has admitted to Uefa he directed an anti-gay slur at Vinicius Junior during the Champions League playoff against Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old Argentine has given evidence to European football’s governing body denying allegations of racism, instead claiming he used homophobic language.

This admission comes amidst an inquiry into a flashpoint during the second half at the Estadio da Luz, shortly after Vinicius scored the only goal of the game.

Conflicting accounts in Lisbon

Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward accused his opponent of racial abuse while covering his mouth with his shirt, an incident that caused a 10-minute stoppage in play.

Sources indicate Prestianni told investigators he used a Spanish anti-gay slur, rather than the word “mono”, which means monkey.

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni confirmed to Spanish television that the Benfica player offered this explanation immediately on the pitch when confronted.

The Spanish giants have since submitted a dossier containing “all available evidence” to Uefa as part of the ongoing probe.

Mbappe alleges repeated abuse

Despite Prestianni’s defence, Kylian Mbappe has provided a starkly different account of events in the Portuguese capital.

The French captain spoke extensively to the media, stating he personally heard the Benfica winger racially abuse his teammate on five separate occasions.

“I heard it. There are Benfica players that also heard it.”

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid forward

Sanctions apply to both offences

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has called for a significant punishment, expressing hope that the case could prove a “turning point” in combatting abuse.

Under Uefa regulations, the distinction between racist and homophobic abuse does not alter the potential severity of the sanction.

Article 14 of the disciplinary code states that any person insulting human dignity on grounds including race or sexual orientation faces a suspension of at least 10 matches.