Benfica’s president supports Gianluca Prestianni, asserting he is not racist.
Benfica’s president Manuel Rui Costa ardently supported Gianluca Prestianni in light of accusations that he racially insulted Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, asserting that the Argentinian winger “is not a racist.”
UEFA has temporarily suspended Prestianni for the Champions League playoff return leg on Wednesday while it examines the situation, which arose after Vinícius scored the sole goal in Madrid’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon last week.
“It is evident that Prestianni is not racist; if he were, he wouldn’t be part of Benfica,” Rui Costa stated to the media on Tuesday.
“While this is a situation that occurred during a match, it is also a human matter, but that does not lessen Benfica’s commitment to anti-racism. Benfica would never include racist players in its team. Throughout its history, Benfica has exemplified inclusion and opposition to racism, with an African player [Eusebio] as its most significant symbol. Prestianni is not racist, and if he were, I would be the first to take a stand.”
Vinícius accused Prestianni of using a racist slur after the Brazil international celebrated his goal. Prestianni, who was seen covering his mouth with his jersey during the alleged incident, has refuted the claims.
When questioned if Vinícius had been dishonest, Rui Costa responded: “I was not present on the field to hear what was said. What I can affirm is that I trust my player. Prestianni is being unfairly labeled as a racist, and I can assure you that he is not.”
“An incident occurred on the field that remains unresolved, and Benfica has fully cooperated.”
Benfica has appealed Prestianni’s temporary suspension, and the player has traveled to Madrid. Rui Costa had initially anticipated a conclusive decision on the issue.
“We submitted an appeal because we believe that nothing has been substantiated,” Rui Costa stated. “It does not warrant the player’s exclusion from this match. I expected a definitive outcome, but ultimately, only this provisional suspension was issued.”
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Meanwhile, Rui Costa expressed his astonishment that UEFA has not penalized Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde.
UEFA rejected Benfica’s complaint alleging Valverde committed violent conduct after the Uruguayan midfielder seemingly struck rival defender Samuel Dahl on the back of the head during an off-the-ball incident.
“We believe there was clear aggression from Valverde, and he should have been excluded from this match,” Rui Costa remarked.
He noted that Benfica coach José Mourinho has traveled to Madrid but will serve a one-match touchline ban against his former team.
Mourinho has faced criticism for his comments after the match, suggesting that Vinícius provoked the abuse with his goal celebration, dancing by the corner flag at the Estadio da Luz.
“We lose our leader, who would have preferred to be in the technical area,” said Benfica assistant coach João Tralhão regarding Mourinho’s absence.
“A leader is always missed, but he also mentioned that when one player is absent, another will step up, and that player will give their all. He is with us, and we understand what we need to do. It is his ideas and the club’s principles that will be upheld.”
