The biggest story in football this week is a rather unpleasant one, with Gianluca Prestianni alleged to have racially abused Vinicius Junior. The incident occurred during Real Madrid's match against Benfica.
Meeting in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, the Brazilian winger scored the only goal of the game, a brilliant strike, in a 1-0 victory away from home. Vinicius was booked for his celebration, with the home crowd angrily throwing objects at him.
The scene escalated, however, when Argentine opponent Prestianni is alleged to have made racist comments to the Madrid star. It is not yet clear what was said, but it is claimed that Prestianni, who covered his mouth to prevent lip-reading, called his opponent a 'monkey' multiple times.
If the Benfica man is found guilty of racial abuse, he could be in line for a huge ban.
UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations Could See Prestianni Banned
Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in action with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has stood by his teammate during the fallout, adding that he heard the comments made by Prestianni. In light of that, the Frenchman has called for the Benfica star to be banned from ever playing in the Champions League again.
If found guilty, the punishment for Prestianni won't be quite that severe, but he certainly should not get let off easily either. According to UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations (specifically Article 14 on racism and other discriminatory conduct), a player found guilty of racist behavior - such as insulting the human dignity of a person or group on grounds including race, skin color, ethnic origin, etc.- incurs a suspension lasting at least 10 matches (or a corresponding period of time, or any other appropriate sanction).
This minimum 10-match ban applies across UEFA competitions, including the Champions League, and has been in place since updates in 2013 to strengthen penalties against racism. It is the standard minimum for players or officials committing such offences.
That said, as per Sky Sports, Prestianni is likely to be available for selection for the second leg of Benfica’s knockout round play-off at Real Madrid next Wednesday, unless UEFA move much faster than they have in the past.
Thierry Henry Delivers Powerful Speech After Vinicius Accuses Prestianni of Racist Abuse
Thierry Henry didn't hold back when reacting to Vinicius Junior accusing Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse in Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior with teammates as the match was stopped due to racist chants
UEFA Share Statement After Vinicius Incident
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rudiger clash with Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi In their own statement, UEFA have confirmed that an investigation will be launched if it is included in the referee's report. In full, it read:
"The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. "Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. "We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage."
On top of this, per journalist Rob Harris, UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the incident. He shared the quote: "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026. "Further information regarding the matter will be made available in due course." At this moment in time, Prestianni has denied all allegations against him. Speaking on social media, the 20-year-old insisted: “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Jr, who unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard. I have never been racist toward anyone.” Benfica have also defended their player, releasing new footage of the incident, claiming that it shows “Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard."
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