Benfica's Prestianni banned 1 game after abuse claims by Vinicius Jr.

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match while it investigates Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.'s allegation that the Argentine directed a racist slur at him during Madrid's 1-0 Champions League playoff victory in Lisbon last Tuesday.

European football's governing body announced the interim sanction on Monday, stressing that the ban is "without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make" once a full disciplinary file is completed. Benfica immediately signaled its intent to appeal, reiterating "full support and belief" in Prestianni's denial.

The flash-point occurred after Vinicius scored the 73rd-minute winner at Estádio da Luz. Television footage showed both players exchanging words as the Brazilian celebrated, and each received a yellow card. Post-match, Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé told TNT Sports that Prestianni called Vinicius a "monkey" five times, adding, "There are some things we simply cannot accept."

UEFA appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector on Wednesday, citing "allegations of discriminatory behavior," and both clubs have since submitted evidence. Madrid praised the "unanimous support" their player has received, while Benfica complained of a "defamation campaign" and lamented being "deprived of a player while the process is still under investigation."

Vinicius, 25, has reported more than 20 racial-abuse incidents in Spain since 2021. Last year four people were convicted of hate crimes after hanging a Vinicius mannequin from a bridge near Madrid's training ground.

The second leg of the tie kicks off Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST at the Bernabéu, where Madrid will be seeking to secure passage to the last 16. Carlo Ancelotti's side currently trail Barcelona by a point in La Liga, while José Mourinho's Benfica sit third in Portugal, seven points behind leaders Porto.