Uefa has provisionally suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid after allegations that he racially abused Vinicius Junior during last week's first leg. The ban has been imposed pending the completion of a Uefa investigation and Benfica said they would appeal against the decision. The Portuguese club said they regretted being deprived of the player while the process was ongoing but acknowledged their appeal was unlikely to prevent Prestianni from being suspended for the game in Madrid.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica views with a spirit of complete collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarity the steps announced today by UEFA, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid. The Club reaffirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, which align with the core values of its foundation and which have Eusebio as their greatest symbol.
Vinicius Junior and his teammates appeared ready to walk off and the game was put on hold for 10 minutes after the Brazilian told the referee that he had been subject to racist abuse after scoring the goal that gives Real Madrid a 1-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League playoff against Benfica. Vinicius had celebrated the strike dancing in the corner of the Estadio da Luz and in the confrontations that followed, Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni said something to him while covering his mouth.
The talented young striker is also on PSG's radar, as per Fichajes. He has impressed with his clinical finishing and sharpness in the attack. Manchester United are hoping to sign him for the future, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. They have done well to develop young players in the past, and they could play a key role in Cabral's development as well.
"A fantastic goal, a historic goal, a goal that nearly brought the whole stadium down - and I think it was very deserved for us," Mourinho said. "For Benfica it's an incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid."
