UEFA has issued a six-match suspension to Gianluca Prestianni following his involvement in an incident with Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League fixture earlier this season.
The incident took place during the Round of 16 clash between Real Madrid and Benfica. Reports at the time suggested that Prestianni directed offensive remarks toward Vinicius Jr during the match. The situation drew attention, but no immediate disciplinary decision was announced.
UEFA has now confirmed its verdict after completing its investigation. The governing body clarified that the suspension is partly suspended and relates specifically to homophobic insults. It also stated that the ruling does not include any findings or charges related to racist abuse.
The delayed decision comes nearly two to three months after the incident, highlighting the time taken for review and disciplinary procedures in such cases. UEFA’s statement underlines its stance on discriminatory behavior, while also specifying the exact nature of the offense in this case.
Prestianni’s suspension will impact his availability in European competitions, dealing a setback to Benfica’s squad planning. The club has yet to release a detailed response following the ruling.