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UEFA has handed Gianluca Prestianni a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct toward Vinícius Júnior during February’s UEFA Champions League playoff between SL Benfica and Real Madrid.
The decision follows an investigation into an on-field altercation that caused a temporary stoppage during the second half of the first-leg clash in Lisbon.
The match was paused for around ten minutes after Vinícius alerted referee François Letexier to alleged abusive language from Prestianni shortly after scoring the only goal of the game.
Footage showed the Benfica player speaking while covering his mouth with his shirt, making it difficult to immediately determine what was said. The interruption created visible tension on the pitch, with several Real Madrid players reacting angrily before play eventually resumed.
UEFA Confirms Homophobic Conduct
Following a disciplinary review, UEFA concluded that Prestianni used homophobic language, not racial abuse as initially suspected during the match.
The governing body validated the player’s explanation during the investigation and sanctioned him for what it described as “discriminatory behaviour.” The Argentine right back was given a six-match ban, with three matches suspended over a two-year period.
Because he had already served a provisional suspension, Prestianni will miss two additional matches unless the suspended portion of the ban is activated.
Reactions and aftermath
The incident drew strong reactions at the time, including from Kylian Mbappé, who called for firm action and stressed the need to protect players from all forms of abuse.
Prestianni initially defended himself in the aftermath, stating he had been judged prematurely and without sufficient evidence, while acknowledging the personal impact of the situation.
UEFA has also requested that FIFA extend the sanction globally, reinforcing its stance against discriminatory behavior in football.
