European football governing body, UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni for one match following the allegation of racist abuse toward Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff tie last Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
The Argentine covered his mouth with his shirt and uttered an offensive word at Vinicius, shortly after the Brazilian opened the scoring. Vinicius reported to the referee about the incident which led to the game being the delayed for over 10 minutes as Madrid ultimately saw out the game 1-0.
Prestianni and Benfica have denied the allegations but he will now miss Wednesday’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, with UEFA stating that a longer suspension could be handed out as the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission continue their investigation.
“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,” read a statement.
Benfica have now confirmed that they will appeal the ruling while affirming its commitment to combating racism.
“The club regrets being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation and will appeal this UEFA decision, even if the applicable timelines are unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League playoff,” the club said.
“Benfica also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism and discrimination – values that are part of its historical identity and reflected in its daily actions, its global community, the work of the Benfica Foundation, and major figures in the club’s history, such as Eusebio.”
Meanwhile, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho will not be in the dugout for the second leg after receiving a red card for complaining to the referee in the first leg.
