UEFA has finally provided its final verdict on Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni for the controversy with Vinicius Jr during the UCL match vs Real Madrid.
The governing body has officially handed a six-match ban to Benfica winger for directing homophobic insults during a match, with part of the suspension suspended. It comes after he was accused by Vinicus of racial abuse of teammate Kylian Mbappe, stating he heard the slurs.
UEFA’s final verdict on Benfica's Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius controversy
With three matches of the ban suspended for two years, the Benfica player might have to only stay out for two more matches, as he has already served one ban for the second leg UCL clash vs the Los Blancos.
The Argentine youngster, who has been linked to several top European clubs, received disciplinary action following an investigation into his conduct. The ban is partly suspensional, meaning Prestianni could face a reduced effective suspension if he avoids further offenses.
UEFA's ruling underscores the organization's strict stance against discriminatory language in football, applying to both club and international competitions where the player is eligible. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of on-pitch behavior and follows public debate over the nature of the incident.
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