gianluca prestianni at centre of Champions League stoppage as UEFA opens probe
Real Madrid’s Champions League first‑leg at Benfica was interrupted after Vinicius Jr alleged racial abuse by gianluca prestianni, prompting a stadium pause and the activation of football’s anti‑racism protocol. UEFA has opened an ethics and disciplinary investigation, but the accused player is expected to be eligible for the second leg next Wednesday (ET).
What unfolded in Lisbon
The match was suspended for around 10 minutes after Vinicius scored and celebrated his landmark goal, then pointed out an incident to referee Francois Letexier. The referee responded with FIFA’s 'No Racism' gesture, and play stopped while officials assessed the situation under the three‑step anti‑racism procedure.
Vinicius says he was the target of a racial slur from gianluca prestianni in the moments after the celebration. The accused has denied the allegation and stated that he did not direct racist insults. Team members, including Kylian Mbappe, publicly backed Vinicius, with Mbappe saying he heard a slur repeated several times. Benfica’s manager suggested Vinicius’ celebration provoked the reaction and referenced the club’s historic Black legend as evidence against institutional racism, comments that drew strong criticism from anti‑racism campaigners.
The tie was hotly contested on the pitch but is now dominated by the off‑field dispute, with teams, players and governing bodies preparing for a potentially lengthy review while the second leg looms just days away.
UEFA’s probe and possible consequences
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to assemble evidence and take statements from those involved. Given the high profile of the case, investigators are expected to take time; a swift resolution before the return leg is unlikely and the process may stretch into weeks.
Disciplinary rules set a strong baseline for racist conduct: a minimum suspension of 10 matches is the established punishment in high‑profile precedents, often accompanied by mandated education and awareness programs run by the club. A similar investigation in recent years resulted in a multi‑game ban handed down weeks after the incident. That precedent shows sanctions can follow only after a formal hearing, and not all outcomes are immediate.
Because the investigation typically takes time, gianluca prestianni is likely to remain available for selection for the Bernabeu return, though that availability could change if new information emerges quickly.
Wider context and the recurring problem
For Vinicius Jr this is far from isolated: he has now said he has faced about 20 such episodes over eight years at his club. The player has become a lightning rod in conversations about racism in the sport, with each new incident reigniting debate about how effectively football’s authorities, clubs and match officials prevent and punish abuse.
Past episodes have seen legal and sporting consequences for supporters and individuals, including suspended sentences and fines for fans involved in racist chanting at other matches. Campaigners argue that disciplinary measures alone are not enough and stress the need for sustained cultural and educational work inside clubs and communities to root out the behavior that keeps recurring.
With the Champions League tie set to resume next Wednesday (ET), attention will focus on both the pitch and the pending investigation. The case underscores the difficult balance football faces: progressing elite competition while confronting a persistent problem that continues to mar the game’s biggest moments.
