Gianluca Prestianni has taken aim at UEFA (Image: Getty Images)
Gianluca Prestianni has hit out at UEFA after Benfica’s appeal against a provisional suspension was rejected. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr alleged that he was racially abused by Prestianni moments after scoring the only goal in last week’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg between the sides in Lisbon.
Argentinian winger Prestianni, who denies the accusation, was subsequently issued with a one-match ban, ruling him out of Wednesday’s second leg. Benfica announced their intention to appeal, but UEFA confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it had been thrown out.
“Mr Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible,” a UEFA statement read.
Following confirmation of the verdict, Prestianni posted on X: “Punching someone off the ball is allowed, it’s seen, and there’s no sanction. Punishing without proof is allowed, it’s seen. They don’t even try to hide it with Real anymore. They’re shameful.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Nevertheless, he swiftly removed the post, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho opted not to hold the customary pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Meanwhile, UEFA have already said that sanctions could be imposed on Prestianni following a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.
However, Benfica president Rui Costa staunchly defended the 20-year-old winger earlier this week, insisting he is “anything but racist”. He stated: “I’m not on the pitch to know what was said or not said, but as you can imagine, in a situation like that, a lot is said.
“But we believe in our player’s word, because more than that, we know the players we have at home. Prestianni is being crucified as a racist person, and I can guarantee that he is anything but racist, and that is why we have such confidence in him as a player.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid speaks to Gianluca Prestianni. (Image: Getty Images)
In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa called on UEFA to “seize this opportunity” to demonstrate its commitment to combating racism following the alleged abuse endured by Vinicius. He declared: “We are facing a great opportunity to make a significant step forward in the fight against racism.
“UEFA has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, and now they have the opportunity not to leave it as just a slogan or a nice banner before matches. I hope they seize this opportunity.
“Vini Junior has always shown great courage and character. Anyone in his situation, I don’t know how they would react. He has always done so bravely, showing tremendous personality.
“That has always been his response, and it always will be because he is a fighter. Tomorrow he will come out to fight and play a great match, showing that he is one of the best players on the planet.”
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page