UEFA provisionally bans Benfica’s Prestianni over alleged racist slur

MADRID: European soccer’s governing body UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations he directed a racist slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during their Champions League playoff, it said on Monday.

Prestianni will miss Wednesday’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid leading 1-0 from the first leg in Lisbon. UEFA said the suspension is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings and that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate the alleged discriminatory behaviour.

“This is without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” UEFA said in a statement.

The first leg was halted for 11 minutes shortly after Vinicius put Real ahead early in the second half. Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt before making comments that Vinicius and team mates interpreted as a racial slur.

Referee Francois Letexier stopped the match after activating FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, while footage also showed Real forward Kylian Mbappe confronting Prestianni.