In a decisive move against discriminatory behavior, UEFA has officially announced the provisional suspension of Benfica attacker Gianluca Prestianni, the decision comes just days before the crucial Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.
What is Prestianni’s punishment for bullying Vinícius?
Following an investigation into the incidents at the Estádio da Luz, UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body has acted under Article 14 of its disciplinary regulations regarding “discriminatory conduct.”
- The Ruling: Prestianni is immediately banned from participating in any UEFA club competitions.
- The Impact: He will officially miss the second leg against Real Madrid next week, dealing a massive blow to José Mourinho’s attacking plans as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Severity of the Investigation
The European football governing body emphasized that this suspension is “provisional” pending the final results of a full disciplinary probe.
Official UEFA Statement: “The suspension aims to ensure the integrity of the competition while the investigation into alleged discriminatory behavior continues. This decision does not prejudice any final verdict.”
Potential Consequences:
According to legal experts, if the final investigation confirms the racial slurs directed at Vinícius Júnior, Prestianni could face a minimum of 10 matches on the sidelines, a punishment designed to send a clear zero-tolerance message.
A Nightmare for Mourinho
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Player Punished | Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) |
| Offense | Alleged Discriminatory/Racist Behavior |
| Current Penalty | Provisional Suspension (Misses 2nd Leg) |
| Potential Penalty | Up to 10-match ban |
Real Madrid Statement Expected
Real Madrid is expected to release an official response shortly, having consistently advocated for the highest level of protection for Vinícius Júnior. The club reportedly provided high-definition footage to UEFA inspectors to support the Brazilian’s claims of being verbally targeted during the first-half confrontation in Lisbon.
