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No Evidence, No Silence: Prestiani Responds as Ban Looms Over Vinícius Allegations

1 April 2026

No Evidence, No Silence: Prestiani Responds as Ban Looms Over Vinícius Allegations
Prestiani faces questions as UEFA investigates the incident during the Champions League clash in Portugal.

The Allegation and Ban

Gianluca Prestiani, the 20-year-old Benfica midfielder, denies directing any racist insult at Vinícius Júnior during the Champions League Round of 16 first leg in Portugal. UEFA later ruled him out of the return match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Context and Response

The decision followed ongoing investigations after Vinícius accused Prestiani of calling him a "monkey," triggering a major controversy both on and off the pitch.

In an interview with Telefe, Prestiani said: "What hurt me most was being treated for something I never did. I am calm because those who know me know the person I am, and that is enough for me." He added gratitude to Benfica for their internal support, which he valued more than any Instagram post.

He concluded emotionally: "That hurt a lot. I was punished without evidence of something I didn't say. But the moment has passed. I am grateful to the Benfica staff who waited for me until the last moment to include me in the return leg."

Read also.. Video: Vinícius in the frame... chants insulting Islam in Spain and Egypt

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gianluca Prestiani and what happened?

Prestiani is Benfica's 20-year-old midfielder who was accused of directing a racist insult at Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League Round of 16 match in Portugal. UEFA subsequently banned him from the return leg.

What did Vinícius accuse him of saying?

Vinícius claimed Prestiani called him a monkey, which sparked a larger controversy and prompted the investigation and sanction.

What did Prestiani say in his Telefe interview?

He expressed that being punished for something he didn’t do hurt him, insisted his conduct was misrepresented, and thanked Benfica for their internal support.

What was Benfica’s stance?

Prestiani publicly thanked Benfica for standing by him during the process, emphasizing the club’s internal support over social media narratives.