UEFA is investigating explosive allegations against Benfica winger Gianluca Prestani that he used racial slurs against Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match.
According to ESPN, Prestiani admitted to using an anti-gay slur against Vinicius, rather than a racist insult.
advertise
The incident occurred in the second half at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, shortly after Vinicius scored Real Madrid’s only goal of the game.
Vinicius reacted angrily to Prestiani’s comments, with Prestiani covering his face with his shirt. The Brazilian striker issued a warning to the referee, causing the game to be suspended for 10 minutes.
The Real Madrid striker initially accused the 20-year-old Argentine of racist behaviour.
However, sources said Prestani has since told UEFA investigators that he used the homophobic slur in Spanish instead of the word “mono,” which means monkey.
This explanation was reportedly relayed to Madrid midfielder Aurelian Chuameni immediately after the game.
advertise
Real Madrid have submitted what they say is a complete dossier of evidence to UEFA.
Forward Kylian Mbappe said he heard racist abuse directed at teammates five times during the game, adding that some Benfica players were also aware of the comments.
Mbappe has urged severe punishment and head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has urged UEFA to use the case as a turning point in the fight against discrimination in football.
According to Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, the penalty for racist or homophobic behavior is the same, namely a minimum suspension of 10 matches or an equivalent ban.
advertise
Whether it was racist or homophobic, Pretiani’s intentions were the same. It’s demeaning, dehumanizing, hurtful.
Exchanging one vicious slur for another is not relief. This is not a clarification. This is a confession.
So he’s not a racist? Just homophobic? This isn’t really a defense at all. It paints an ugly picture of a young professional who believed hate was an acceptable, impulsive act.
Among the elite, ignorance is no shield. Football has moved on. Anyone who has not experienced it should not go near it.
