Prestianni Testifies in UEFA Investigation Into Vinícius Jr. Abuse Allegations
UEFA has initiated a disciplinary investigation following a significant incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. This investigation stems from a confrontation that took place during the Champions League playoff match on September 19, 2023, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon.
Key Events in the Investigation
After Vinícius scored the winning goal, he alerted the match referee to alleged racist abuse directed at him. This prompted a lengthy stoppage of play, lasting nearly 10 minutes. Reports indicate that Prestianni has already provided testimony to UEFA investigators regarding this incident.
Details of Prestianni’s Testimony
- Prestianni denied using the term “mono,” which translates to “monkey” in Spanish.
- He claimed instead to have used an offensive anti-gay slur.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni confirmed that Prestianni insisted on the field that his words were not racist but rather homophobic.
Real Madrid’s Response
The club has played an active role in the proceedings by submitting detailed evidence to UEFA. Among the notable voices supporting Vinícius was French star Kylian Mbappé, who reported hearing racist remarks directed at his teammate during the match. He underlined that multiple Benfica players also acknowledged the abuse.
Calls for Action
Real Madrid’s head coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, addressed the controversy publicly after the match. He emphasized the importance of a decisive UEFA response, hoping that the investigation would represent a significant step towards eradicating discriminatory behavior in football.
UEFA’s Disciplinary Code
According to UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, both racist and anti-gay insults are addressed under the same article, Article 14. The article states:
| Infraction | Possible Sanction |
|---|---|
| Insults based on human dignity (race, gender, etc.) | Minimum 10-match suspension or other appropriate penalties |
This investigation underscores UEFA’s commitment to addressing discrimination comprehensively, as the governing body gears up to handle this serious matter within European football.
