UEFA rejects Benfica’s appeal regarding Gianluca Prestianni suspension prior to match against Real Madrid.
Benfica’s appeal against a provisional suspension placed by UEFA on their player Gianluca Prestianni has been unsuccessful, following allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.
UEFA announced the provisional sanction on Monday, ruling Prestianni ineligible for Wednesday night’s Champions League playoff round second leg against Madrid in Madrid.
Benfica declared their intention to appeal; however, UEFA confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the appeal had been rejected.
“Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible,” stated UEFA.
Following the first leg, UEFA appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator (EDI) after Vinícius claimed he was racially abused by Prestianni, a charge that the Benfica player has denied.
UEFA indicated on Monday that the provisional suspension was “without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the UEFA disciplinary bodies.”
The Brazilian exited the field and declined to return, leading to a 10-minute stoppage in play during last Tuesday’s first leg in Lisbon.
This incident occurred after Vinícius had given his team the lead with an impressive individual goal, curling the ball into the net from a narrow angle five minutes into the second half.
After celebrating in front of the home supporters, he appeared suddenly and visibly distressed by something said to him and promptly notified the referee, who halted the match.
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José Mourinho also expressed support for Prestianni and criticized Vinícius for his celebration following the goal, for which the player received a yellow card. The Benfica coach remarked that something always occurs in stadiums where Vinícius plays.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated on Tuesday that it was inappropriate to use Vinícius’ celebration as a rationale for the alleged act of racism.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was among those who also condemned Mourinho for his remarks about Vinícius after last week’s match.
Mourinho is suspended for the second leg due to being sent off late in the first leg for dissent towards the referee. However, he traveled to Madrid with Prestianni, who practiced with the rest of the team on Wednesday before UEFA dismissed his club’s appeal.
ESPN’s Mark Ogden and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
