UEFA bans Benfica’s Prestianni for six video games for verbally abusing Vinicius | Soccer Information

Prestianni suspended ​for homophobic discriminatory conduct in Champions League match ‌in opposition to ​Real Madrid in February.

Benfica’s ‌Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct ⁠that was deemed ⁠homophobic in a Champions League match in opposition to Real Madrid, UEFA introduced.

Prestianni can be banned for 2 ⁠extra matches after UEFA mentioned on Friday {that a} additional three-match suspension could be “subject to a probationary period of two years, starting from the date ⁠of the present decision”. He has already served a one-match provisional suspension.

The Argentinian winger was accused of directing a racist slur at Real Madrid ahead Vinicius Jr through the Spanish aspect’s 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg win ‌in February.

The first leg was suspended for 11 minutes shortly after Vinicius gave Real the lead early within the second half.

Television footage confirmed Prestianni overlaying his mouth together with his shirt repeatedly earlier than making feedback that Vinicius and close by teammates interpreted as a racial slur in opposition to the 25-year-old.

Prestianni had denied the accusation that he had made ⁠a racist remark, saying Vinicius had misheard him. Real’s ⁠Aurelien Tchouameni mentioned the Argentinian instructed him he didn’t name Vinicius a “monkey” however directed a homophobic remark at him.

UEFA additionally mentioned they might request FIFA to increase the ⁠suspension worldwide.

The suspension contains the one-match provisional suspension Prestianni served through the second leg of ⁠their knockout playoff on February 25, which ⁠Real Madrid gained 2-1 to advance.

Benfica mentioned that they had been notified concerning the sanction imposed on Prestianni.

“Of the three-match effective ban, one has already been served and the remaining two ‌must be served in UEFA matches or Argentina national team matches in a FIFA context,” Benfica mentioned.

Prestianni has performed for Argentina solely as soon as, ‌making ‌his debut as a late substitute in a pleasant sport in opposition to Angola in November.