UEFA imposed a provisional one-match suspension on Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni over allegations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during a Champions League playoff clash, as an ethics investigation continues.
The incident marred Benfica’s 1-0 home defeat to Real Madrid on February 17, when Prestianni allegedly uttered the Spanish slur “mono” — meaning “monkey” — after Vinicius scored the winner, prompting a 10-minute halt under UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body cited a “prima facie violation” of its rules on discriminatory behaviour, stating: “Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, and upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) related to a discriminatory behaviour.”
The body added: “This is without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the UEFA disciplinary bodies.”
Prestianni has denied racist intent, claiming he used a homophobic slur instead, while Benfica vowed to defend the 19-year-old Argentine, insisting the video was devoid of discriminatory motives.
Vinicius, who has endured repeated racial taunts in Europe, initially hesitated to continue but pressed on, later posting on social media: “racists are, above all, cowards.”
The probe draws on referee reports, footage, witness accounts and player statements, with potential for harsher penalties if Prestianni is found guilty.
