Pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged racial discrimination, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has decided to temporarily suspend Prestianni for one match. This means the Benfica winger will be absent from the return leg at the Bernabeu stadium on the evening of 25/2.

"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to provisionally suspend Gianluca Prestianni for the next match, due to a clear violation of Article 14 of the disciplinary regulations concerning discriminatory conduct," a statement from 23/2 read. "This decision does not prejudge any ruling that may be made following the conclusion of the investigation. More details on this matter will be provided in due course."

If found guilty of racial discrimination, Prestianni could face a ban of up to 10 matches.

Prestianni (in red) confronted Vinicius during Benfica's 0-1 loss to Real in the Champions League playoff first leg on 17/2. *Photo: Socrates*

The incident occurred minutes after Vinicius scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute, securing Real a 1-0 victory in the first leg on 17/2. At that time, Prestianni approached his opponent, covered his mouth with his shirt, and said something. Immediately after, Vinicius ran to referee Francois Letexier to report discriminatory behavior. Another Real star, Kylian Mbappe, accused Prestianni of racial discrimination five times.

Prestianni, however, asserted that his opponent misunderstood what was said. According to ESPN, the forward claimed he did not use the word "mono" — Spanish for "monkey" — but rather a homophobic slur. Nonetheless, homophobic slurs also fall under the scope of Article 14 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations.

According to radio station Cadena Ser, UEFA issued the temporary one-match ban early due to concerns that the two players might not shake hands before the return leg. Such an occurrence would send a negative message. In a 2012 Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool, Luis Suarez famously refused to shake Patrice Evra's hand. Prior to that, the former Liverpool star had been banned for 8 matches and fined USD 52,000 for racially abusing Evra.

After the first leg, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho criticized Vinicius's provocative goal celebration as a reason for the reaction from the crowd and Prestianni. He also suggested that Vinicius should reflect on his behavior, as similar incidents occur in every stadium the player visits.

However, Mourinho later faced backlash from former players Wayne Rooney, Clarence Seedorf, and Theo Walcott. Seedorf stated that "The Special One" made a significant error by implying that Vinicius's provocation and subsequent racial discrimination were acceptable.

Thanh Quy (according to UEFA, Cadena Ser)