UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban for discriminatory (homophobic) conduct towards Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League knockout play-off in February.
The sanction, announced on Friday, includes two matches to be served immediately, with three additional games suspended for a two-year probationary period. Prestianni had already served a provisional one-match suspension.
The incident occurred at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz in Lisbon during the first leg of the round of 16 play-off. Vinícius accused the 20-year-old Argentine of racially abusing him, prompting the referee to halt play temporarily and make the crossed-arms anti-racism gesture introduced by FIFA.
Prestianni denied any racist abuse, insisting his words had been misinterpreted. However, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni later revealed that Prestianni admitted to directing a homophobic remark at the Brazilian star.
Vinícius briefly left the pitch along with several teammates before the game resumed. After the match, the Brazilian posted on social media: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled the comments constituted discriminatory conduct, specifically homophobic in nature. The governing body has also requested FIFA to extend the ban worldwide to cover all competitions.
Benfica defended their player, rejecting claims of racist abuse, while head coach José Mourinho warned that Prestianni’s future at the club would be in jeopardy if any form of discriminatory behaviour was proven.
The case has reignited debate over the consistency of sanctions for racist and homophobic abuse in European football. UEFA regulations stipulate a minimum 10-match ban for racist conduct, leading some observers to describe Prestianni’s punishment as relatively lenient.
The episode has also prompted discussions about new measures to prevent players from covering their mouths during on-pitch exchanges, a tactic sometimes used to obscure offensive language.
Prestianni remains available for domestic matches until the European ban takes full effect. Benfica has not yet commented on whether it will appeal the decision.
