UEFA suspends Gianluca Prestianni for alleged racial abuse against Vinicius

Benfica's midfielder Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for one match after allegations that he racially abused Vinícius Júnior during a UEFA Champions League playoff match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

What happened between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jnr?

The alleged racial incident happened after Vinícius scored in the first leg of the tie and celebrated. During a confrontation, Vinícius reported that Prestianni made a racist remark toward him. This accusation led to UEFA activating its anti-racism protocols during the match.

The suspension is provisional, meaning UEFA took this step while its disciplinary investigation continues. However there could be more punishment (such as a longer ban) could follow depending on how UEFA’s inquiry concludes.

The suspension is provisional, meaning UEFA took this step while its disciplinary investigation continues. More punishment (such as a longer ban) could follow depending on how UEFA’s inquiry concludes.

Benfica’s manager Jose Mourinho has also been suspended from the game. The suspension is for Mourinho’s touchline behaviour in that game, not a broader disciplinary ban by UEFA for misconduct off the field or in general.

It’s a standard one-match ban that comes automatically when a coach is sent off in a UEFA competition.

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