Gianluca Prestianni criticises UEFA ban over Vinicius Jr racism claim
Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has heavily criticised UEFA after being suspended for an alleged racial slur directed at Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr during their Champions League tie.
The Argentine was banned from the second leg of the last-16 encounter following an altercation in the opening fixture.
European football’s governing body suspended the player after Vinicius reported the incident to the referee in the aftermath of his opening goal.
Prestianni vehemently denies the accusation, insisting the Brazilian misinterpreted his words on the pitch.
‘Punished without any evidence’
The Benfica winger could still face a 10-match ban if a formal UEFA investigation finds him guilty of racist abuse.
Speaking to Argentine network Telefe, the player expressed his deep frustration at the disciplinary action taken against him.
“What really hurt me was being treated for something I never did.”
“I was punished without any evidence for something I didn’t say, but fortunately, I am very calm because everyone who knows me knows the kind of person I am.”
Mourinho defends Benfica player
Prestianni expressed immense gratitude towards his club and team-mates for their internal support throughout the ongoing controversy.
Real Madrid ultimately won the tie 3-1 on aggregate to eliminate the Portuguese side from the competition.
However, the aftermath has been dominated by comments from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, who suggested Vinicius provoked the situation.
The Portuguese coach criticised the Real Madrid star for his goal celebration, which resulted in a yellow card during the first leg.
“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,” Mourinho stated.
The former Chelsea and Roma boss also questioned the recurring nature of incidents involving the Brazil international across European football.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium; every stadium that Vinicius plays in, something happens.”
