Benfica has strongly criticized the “smear campaign” targeting their player Gianluca Prestianni after he was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid‘s Vinícius Júnior.
Vinícius has alleged that Prestianni racially abused him during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff on Tuesday, which prompted a 10-minute pause in the match.
UEFA announced on Wednesday that it will look into the allegations made against Prestianni.
In its official statement, Benfica pledged to fully cooperate with UEFA’s inquiry while defending Prestianni, who has proclaimed his innocence.
“The club unequivocally reaffirms its long-standing commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion—values that are central to its foundation and embodied by Eusébio,” the statement proclaimed.
“Benfica also expresses its unwavering support for Gianluca Prestianni, whose actions while representing the Club have always reflected respect for his opponents and the principles that define Benfica’s identity.”
“The club strongly condemns the smear campaign against the player.”
If found guilty under UEFA’s disciplinary code, Prestianni, 20, could face up to a 10-match suspension for racial abuse.
The Argentine player has denied Vinícius’ claims via social media, asserting that the Brazilian “misinterpreted what he thought he heard.”
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During the incident, Prestianni was observed speaking to Vinícius while covering his mouth with his jersey. Vinícius then pointed at him and approached the referee.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé stated in a post-match interview with Spanish TVE that he and others had heard Prestianni allegedly say, “that Vini is a monkey” multiple times.
Benfica contended that the players from Madrid could not have overheard any supposed racist comments due to the loud atmosphere of the stadium and the physical distance between the players.