Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica player provisionally suspended by UEFA amid Vinicius Junior racism allegations

Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for Benfica's Champions League game against Real Madrid on Wednesday following allegations he racially abused Vinicius Junior.

The 20-year-old was banned for one match, while an investigation into alleged racism directed at the Real Madrid forward continues.

Last week's Champions League knockout round play-off first leg at the Estadio da Luz in Portugal was stopped for 11 minutes early in the second half, after the Brazilian forward told the referee he suffered racial abuse.

Cameras picked up the 25-year-old telling French referee Francois Letexier he had been targeted in a comment made to him by the Argentine.

Prestianni had denied making a racist slur, claiming the Madrid player "misinterpreted what he thought he heard".

An ethics and disciplinary inspector is investigating the incident, which could lead to further punishment, UEFA said.

Real lead the tie 1-0 ahead of the second leg in the Spanish capital thanks to Vinicius' goal, which he celebrated by the Benfica corner flag, upsetting local fans and players.

After being confronted by Prestianni, Vinícius accused the Argentine player of calling him "monkey."

UEFA's anti-racism protocol was activated but no further action was taken during the match as there was no evidence against Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt while talking to Vinícius.

The Madrid forward was shown a yellow card after his celebration.

Both coaches, Benfica's Jose Mourinho and Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa, talked to Vinicius at one point.

Real's players threatened ⁠to leave the pitch ​as tensions rose, but the referee ​eventually allowed the match to resume.

Mourinho, who was roundly criticised for his comments about the incident after the game, will not speak to reporters before the match.

The Portuguese coach appeared to suggest Vinicius had brought any abuse upon himself with his celebration, and said that "a stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always."

Read more on Sky News:
Vinicius 'deserves empathy'

Anti-discriminatory organisation Kick It Out responded by accusing Mourinho of "gaslighting".

Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao will undertake media duties at the Bernabeu, the club said, without saying why Mourinho would be absent.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Gianluca Prestianni: Benfica player provisionally suspended by UEFA amid Vinicius Junior racism allegat