"Benfica have condemned the "smear campaign" to which their player Gianluca Prestianni has been subjected following allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior. Vinícius accused Prestianni of racially abusing him during the teams' UEFA Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday, leading the match to be paused for 10 minutes in the second half. UEFA announced on Wednesday it will investigate the allegations."
""The club clearly and unequivocally reaffirms its historic and uncompromising commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, which are in line with the core values of its foundation and are best symbolized by Eusébio," the statement said. "Benfica also reiterates its full support and belief in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct while playing for the Club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions, and the principles that define Benfica's identity. "The club condemns the smear campaign to which the player has been subjected.""
Benfica condemned a "smear campaign" against Gianluca Prestianni after Vinícius Júnior accused him of racial abuse during their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg, which prompted a ten-minute match stoppage. UEFA has opened an investigation and the club says it will fully cooperate. Benfica affirmed commitment to equality, respect and inclusion and expressed full support for Prestianni, who denied the allegation on social media, saying Vinícius "misinterpreted what he thinks he heard." Prestianni faces a potential ten-match ban if found guilty under UEFA's disciplinary code.
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