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UEFA hands six-game ban to Benfica winger
Gianluca Prestianni, the 20-year-old Benfica winger, has received a six-match suspension from UEFA for homophobic conduct during a Champions League playoff against Real Madrid in February. The incident sparked global attention after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior accused Prestianni of racial abuse, leading to a 10-minute halt in play at Lisbon's Estádio da Luz.
What transpired on the pitch
Vinícius put Real Madrid ahead in the second half but was later booked for an excessive celebration. Following an exchange with Prestianni, the Brazilian gestured toward the referee, prompting official François Letexier to signal racist abuse using FIFA's crossed-arms gesture, introduced in May 2024. Vinícius left the field, followed by his teammates, and later posted on Instagram: "Racists are, above all, cowards."
Prestianni's defense and UEFA's ruling
Prestianni denied making a racist remark, claiming Vinícius misheard him. However, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni stated that Prestianni admitted to directing a homophobic slur at the Brazilian. UEFA's disciplinary panel found insufficient evidence to prove racial abuse but upheld the homophobic conduct charge, imposing a six-game ban. Prestianni has already served one match provisionally, with three games suspended for two years.
"We fully support Gianluca and believe his version of events," Benfica said in a statement, alleging a "defamation campaign" against their player.
Benfica
Reactions and broader implications
Benfica manager José Mourinho warned that Prestianni's career under him would be "over" if the abuse were proven. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggested players covering their mouths during confrontations should be sent off, a proposal expected to be discussed at the FIFA Congress on April 30. UEFA has requested FIFA extend Prestianni's ban globally, which could rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.
Perception of unequal punishment
Critics argue the ruling sends a troubling message, as racist abuse carries a mandatory 10-game ban, while homophobic conduct resulted in a shorter suspension. The incident has reignited debates about football's handling of discrimination, with UEFA struggling to meet the burden of proof due to Prestianni covering his mouth during the exchange.
What's next for Prestianni
With only one international cap for Argentina, Prestianni was unlikely to be selected for the World Cup. If Argentina omits him, the two-game suspension would apply to Champions League or Europa League qualifiers. Benfica remains his primary club, but the fallout from this incident continues to cast a shadow over his career.
