Benfica Midfielder Denies Racial Abuse Allegation After Match Halted
Benfica is rallying behind Gianluca Prestianni, claiming a defamation campaign against him following UEFA’s investigation into allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. The tense situation unfolded during Tuesday’s Champions League match, which was paused for ten minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to referee Francois Letexier, prompting him and his teammates to leave the field.
Key Details of the Incident
– Gianluca Prestianni’s Background: The young Argentine midfielder has earned one cap for Argentina.
– Vinicius Jr.’s Statement: The Brazilian international, who has faced multiple instances of racial abuse throughout his career, took to Instagram to express, Racists are, above all, cowards.
– Potential Consequences for Prestianni: If found guilty, he could receive a minimum 10-match ban from European competition.
Benfica’s Defense of Prestianni
In a post on their official X account, Benfica came to Prestianni’s defense by sharing a video of the alleged incident, stating:
– Given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard.
– The club emphasized that they fully support Prestianni and highlighted his conduct, which they claim is rooted in respect for opponents and the fundamental values of Benfica.
The club expressed regret over what they term a defamation campaign against Prestianni, reiterating its commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion—principles symbolized by their legendary player, Eusebio.
Mixed Reactions from Football Community
Benfica’s manager, Jose Mourinho, commented that he received varying accounts from Vinicius and Prestianni regarding the incident. He asserted Vinicius was disrespectful during his goal celebration, yet he also defended Benfica’s reputation against racism.
Criticism from Anti-Discrimination Advocates
This stance has drawn criticism from several advocates, including Sanjay Bhandari, chair of the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out. Bhandari stated:
– “It’s a natural inclination to want to believe your player, but the reality is they didn’t hear it.”
– He expressed that the club should focus on cooperating with the investigation instead of defending Prestianni vigorously, aiming for transparency.
FIFA’s Response
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his indignation, stating he was shocked and saddened by the incident. He praised the referee for initiating the anti-racism protocol, emphasizing:
– There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society—we need all relevant stakeholders to take action.
Conclusion
As UEFA continues its investigation, the focus on this incident raises pressing questions about racism in football and the responsibilities of clubs in these situations. Benfica’s assertion of a defamation campaign against Prestianni adds another layer to this complex narrative. Ensuring accountability and fostering an inclusive environment remain paramount, urging all parties involved to take a firm stance against racism in sports.