Prestianni suspension upheld as UEFA rejects Benfica appeal ahead of Real Madrid tie

UEFA has rejected Benfica’s late appeal against the provisional one-match suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, leaving him unavailable for the Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid. The suspension follows an allegation that Prestianni racially abused Vinícius Júnior in the first leg, which he denies. Benfica continues to back the player.

UEFA dismissed Benfica’s late appeal against Gianluca Prestianni’s provisional ban. The ruling kept Prestianni out of Wednesday’s Champions League playoff second leg. Real Madrid hosted the match after last week’s first leg incident. UEFA confirmed the one-match suspension issued on Monday.

Prestianni was provisionally banned after claims of racist abuse against Vinícius Júnior. The accusation arose during a confrontation near the Benfica corner flag. Vinícius had celebrated a goal there, which angered some fans and players. The match stopped for almost 10 minutes during the dispute.

UEFA suspension appeal and Champions League playoff

UEFA said on Wednesday, hours before kick-off, that Benfica’s request was rejected. UEFA added that the appeal body upheld Monday’s decision by its control body. Prestianni had been suspended for one match while the case continued. Prestianni still trained with the squad on Wednesday before the appeal failed.

Vinícius alleged Prestianni called him monkey during the exchange. Prestianni spoke while covering his mouth with a shirt. Prestianni denied any racist insult towards the Brazil forward, who is Black. UEFA said the anti-racism protocol was used during the game.

Vinícius Júnior racism allegation and anti-racism protocol

UEFA said there was no evidence against Prestianni during the match. No further steps followed the protocol activation at that time. Later, the provisional ban was imposed on Monday. UEFA’s updated decision on Wednesday kept that measure in place.

Kylian Mbappé supported Vinícius’s account after the match. Mbappé said he heard the racial slur five times. Benfica disputed that claim and backed Prestianni. Benfica argued Madrid players were too far away to hear the words clearly.

Benfica response and support for Gianluca Prestianni

Benfica said it welcomed UEFA’s investigation into the allegation. The club said it fully supports and believes Prestianni’s version. Benfica added that Prestianni’s conduct at the club showed respect for everyone. The appeal decision left Benfica without Prestianni for the second leg.

José Mourinho supported Prestianni and criticised Vinícius for the celebration. Vinícius was booked after the goal celebration near the corner flag. Mourinho said something always happens in stadiums where Vinícius plays. Mourinho missed the second leg due to a suspension.

Mourinho criticism and reactions from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich

Mourinho was sent off late in the first leg for dissent towards the referee. Despite the ban, Mourinho travelled to Madrid with Prestianni. Thibaut Courtois said on Tuesday it was wrong to use the celebration to justify alleged racism. Vincent Kompany criticised Mourinho for attacking Vinícius after the match.

UEFA’s rejection meant Prestianni remained unavailable for Wednesday’s match in Madrid. The case began after last week’s stoppage and the reported slur. Benfica continued to defend its player while the investigation proceeded. Real Madrid players maintained the allegation, and UEFA kept the interim sanction.

With inputs from PTI