Gianluca Prestianni: UEFA suspended me regarding Vinícius Júnior racism incident ‘lacking evidence’
Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica expressed his disappointment with UEFA for imposing a one-match ban on him “without evidence” following accusations from Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior that he racially insulted him.
In his first comments since the alleged incident during the Champions League playoff first leg against Real Madrid on February 17, Prestianni spoke to Telefe.
“I have never been racist, and I will never be. What affected me the most was being accused of something I did not do,” he stated.
“It was something I did not say, and they penalized me without any proof.”
UEFA responded by suspending Prestianni for the second leg against Real Madrid, where the Spanish side won 2-1, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.
“I was very hurt that I was unable to participate in the return leg,” he remarked. “But it’s in the past.”
UEFA’s inquiry into Prestianni is still ongoing. ESPN has reached out to UEFA for a statement.
Benfica denounced what it termed a “smear campaign” against Prestianni.
“I am very thankful to my club, which has believed in me and supported me in every possible way,” Prestianni noted.
“Both the club and my teammates have shown me that [support] behind closed doors. [Benfica coach Jose] Mourinho is a wonderful person. I spoke with him and my teammates to clarify matters.
“I am at peace knowing that those who know me understand what kind of person I am, and that is sufficient for me.”
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At 20 years old, Prestianni stated he is now concentrating on finishing the season strongly with Benfica to enhance his chances of being selected for Argentina’s World Cup team.
After making his senior debut for Argentina in November, Prestianni was named in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the March international window but did not play in the recent victories over Mauritania and Zambia.
“I aspire to be at the World Cup,” he said. “That is what I strive for every day, to earn that chance. It is an honor to be part of this squad competing for a place. I believe I am performing very well at Benfica.”
