Khaberni - The European Football Union (UEFA) suspended Argentinean Janluca Prestiani, a midfielder for Benfica, on Monday from participating in the playoff match against Real Madrid, qualifying for the Champions League round of sixteen, after it was alleged he directed a racist insult at Brazilian Vinícius Júnior during the first leg match, where he was described as a monkey.
The UEFA disciplinary committee, which is still investigating the incident, stated in a release that it "has decided to provisionally suspend Janluca Prestiani from participating in his club's next match in a UEFA club competition for which he was eligible."
Vinícius had scored the winning goal in the first leg with a 1-0 victory, and reported receiving a racist insult after his celebration, which led to the match being halted for about ten minutes.
UEFA clarified that the preliminary one-match suspension comes "without prejudice to any decision that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may issue subsequently upon conclusion of the ongoing investigation."
If it is proven that Prestiani (20 years old) directed a racist insult at Vinícius, he could face a suspension of no less than ten matches.
The Argentine, who was seen arguing with Vinícius while covering his mouth with his shirt, insists that he did not make any racial insults towards the Real Madrid striker.
Real Madrid defender, Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold described the incident as "a disgrace to football", while French forward Kylian Mbappe stated that Prestiani "no longer deserves to play in the Champions League."
Benfica's coach, José Mourinho, also suspended from the return match, sparked controversy after criticizing Vinícius for his exuberant celebration, claiming that his club cannot be accused of racism because its greatest legend, Eusébio, was black.
