UEFA has banned Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following a controversial incident during his side’s Champions League encounter with Real Madrid in February.
The European football governing body said the sanction was imposed “for discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct”, with three of the six matches suspended for a two-year probationary period.
The 20-year-old Argentine has already served one of those matches, having been provisionally banned for the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Madrid, UEFA confirmed on Friday.
Incident sparked match suspension
The controversy began during the first leg on 17 February, when Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior accused Prestianni of racism. The Benfica player denied the allegation.
As the two argued, Prestianni spoke to Vinicius while covering his mouth. The Brazilian subsequently complained to the referee, leading to a ten-minute suspension of play.
After the match, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni said Prestianni had told him that he had not used a racist slur but had instead directed a homophobic insult at Vinicius.
UEFA seeks worldwide extension
UEFA said it had asked world football governing body FIFA “to extend worldwide the above-mentioned suspension”, which would prevent Prestianni from playing in any international fixtures beyond European competitions.
